Clarity Needed

[mikeb4]

If I am OFF the green and there is sand on the green (in my line) can I remove this sand with the back of my hand ? I thought Yes

If I am OFF the green can I remove sand that is OFF the green but in my line ?

I remember a couple of years ago Rory got caught out when he removed sand I thought he was off green and sand was in it ? Luke Donald corrected him I am sure ?

 

[AmandaJR]

I think sand and soil are only loose impediments when on the green so can only be removed when they are on the green. I think you can remove them if you're off the green but not totally sure! One of the rules guys will be along to clarify!

 

[Backache]

My understanding is as above, the only thing you have to watch when removing sand on the green is that you do not test the surface or press something down when doing it.
But you can do it if lying off the green providing the sand is on the green.

 

[Robobum]

It must be the gloved hand only. Or a towel with the host clubs crest on it

 

[Backache]

It must be the gloved hand only. Or a towel with the host clubs crest on it

I am reliably informed that a mongrammed duster from the R&A if made in silk is also permissable.

 

[duncan mackie]

It must be the gloved hand only. Or a towel with the host clubs crest on it

It's hard enough without the humour!

1. It's whee the sand is that defines it (as Amanda stated)
2. On the green it's a loose impediment so you may remove it. Off the green it's not a loose impediment so you can't.

 

[North Mimms]

It's where the sand is that's important, not where the ball is.
Look at it this way, if it was OK to move sand that's off the green as well as on the green,we'd all be shovelling bunkers out of the way...

 

[mikeb4]

It's where the sand is that's important, not where the ball is.
Look at it this way, if it was OK to move sand that's off the green as well as on the green,we'd all be shovelling bunkers out of the way...

Thanks for the comments so if I am off the green and sand is not on the green I cannot remove but if sand was on the green and I was playing on to it I could remove.

I reckon this should be quite a popular rule quite surprised that there is a wee bit uncertainty about it with the "normal"golfers that I have asked

 

[duncan mackie]

Thanks for the comments so if I am off the green and sand is not on the green I cannot remove but if sand was on the green and I was playing on to it I could remove.

I reckon this should be quite a popular rule quite surprised that there is a wee bit uncertainty about it with the "normal"golfers that I have asked

Where you are is irrelevant because the issue is the definition of sand - which depends on where it is.

However, for the majority of rules the issue is where your ball is, which can superficially create a confusion.

 

[Backache]

It's where the sand is that's important, not where the ball is.
Look at it this way, if it was OK to move sand that's off the green as well as on the green,we'd all be shovelling bunkers out of the way...

Mmm just to be awkward , not really if sand was a loose impediment anywhere you still could not shovel it out of bunkers as you cannot move loose impediments in bunkers.
(Unless you define them in local rules as moveable obstructions).

 

[Robobum]

It's hard enough without the humour!

1. It's whee the sand is that defines it (as Amanda stated)
2. On the green it's a loose impediment so you may remove it. Off the green it's not a loose impediment so you can't.

Sorry

 

[duncan mackie]

Sorry

Appreciated - thank you.

Having had more trouble with this issue over the last 12 months I'm probably oversensitive to it so I apologise too.

As with many rules issues it's a simple case of looking one level further than is obvious ie why is it a penalty rather than is it.

 

[ScienceBoy]

#1 rule, play the ball as it lies.

If you are ever in doubt don't improve your lie (unless you are taking an unplayable, which can SAVE you shots). Better to chip over it than risk a penalty.

Once you know the rule its easy but often out on the course we don't.