Buried Stones

[slowhand]

Yesterday I played an approach shot that went off line and finished next to the cart path, which is made up of loose stones. Since my ball wasn't on the path itself, I played it as it lay, and damaged my wedge as there were stones from the path embedded in the ground under my ball. Would I have been entitled to any kind of free relief in this situation?

 

[woody69]

No, unfortunately not.

A stone is only a loose impediment providing it is not solidly embedded

Meaning of "Solidly Embedded" in Definition of "Loose Impediments"

Decision 23/2
Q.The Definition of "Loose Impediments" states that a stone is a loose impediment if it is not "solidly embedded." When is a stone solidly embedded?

A.If a stone is partially embedded and may be picked up with ease, it is a loose impediment. When there is doubt as to whether a stone is solidly embedded or not, it should not be removed.

 

[duncan mackie]

Playing an event last week my ball ran in amongst the trees and managed to come to rest on a slightly raised area of embedded stones - you make your choice as to what to do.

I've played full shots off a concrete path before when relief would give me a worse shot. All choices.

 

[slowhand]

No, unfortunately not.

A stone is only a loose impediment providing it is not solidly embedded

Meaning of "Solidly Embedded" in Definition of "Loose Impediments"

Decision 23/2
Q.The Definition of "Loose Impediments" states that a stone is a loose impediment if it is not "solidly embedded." When is a stone solidly embedded?

A.If a stone is partially embedded and may be picked up with ease, it is a loose impediment. When there is doubt as to whether a stone is solidly embedded or not, it should not be removed.

I know I'm not able to move them. I was wondering if I would get a free drop, the same as if the ball was on the stones of the cart path

 

[woody69]

I know I'm not able to move them. I was wondering if I would get a free drop, the same as if the ball was on the stones of the cart path

No, why would you think you would be allowed?

 

[slowhand]

No, why would you think you would be allowed?

Beacuse the stones obviously weren't designed to be there, they had been thrown onto the grass by buggies travelling along the path. Thus I was hoping for relief rather than having to wreck a wedge every time the situation occurs.

 

[woody69]

Beacuse the stones obviously weren't designed to be there, they had been thrown onto the grass by buggies travelling along the path. Thus I was hoping for relief rather than having to wreck a wedge every time the situation occurs.

Unfortunately that is just the rub of the green.

You can obviously take relief by declaring the ball unplayable and assessing your options with the 1 stroke penalty. Guess it all comes down to how much you value the club.

 

[Robster59]

Unfortunately, that's the rules of golf. The only options you have really are to take a drop with penalty, sacrifice the club or try to nip it off with another club.

 

[Hosel Fade]

Either learn a good quality tactical thin or accept the fact that wedges are made to be battered

 

[Tashyboy]

Either learn a good quality tactical thin or accept the fact that wedges are made to be battered

Aint that the truth, bought me first 48 degree vokey wedge and it's like Harry Potters wand. Had it a week and played a shot out from under some Hawthorne bushes at Retford. Hit the ball, followed through and thought I had broke my wrist. There was half a building brick thrown under the bushes. The dink in my wedge is still there although worn down a bit now. It brought tears to my eyes and not coz of me wrist.