Cleaning the ball

[jim8flog]

If we were to adopt the allowable LR

c. Cleaning Ball Conditions, such as extreme wetness causing significant amounts of mud to adhere to the ball, may be such that permission to lift, clean and replace the ball would be appropriate. In these circumstances, the following Local Rule is recommended:

"(Specify area, e.g., at the 6th hole, on a closely-mown area, anywhere through the green, etc.) a ball may be lifted and cleaned without penalty. The ball must be replaced.

Note: The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted under this Local Rule - see Rule 20-1.

Is it allowable to remove loose impediments that would have interfered with shot, whose removal would have caused the ball to move prior to lifting, before replacing the ball?

Eg if the ball had been resting on top of a leaf must it be replaced on the leaf.

 

[duncan mackie]

loose impediments are not part of the lie of the ball as contemplated by Rule20-3b

20-3b/8

 

[rulie]

loose impediments are not part of the lie of the ball as contemplated by Rule20-3b

20-3b/8

But see Decision 23-1/8 which offers guidance. The loose impediments may not be removed in all instances when the ball has been lifted and must be replaced.

 

[duncan mackie]

But see Decision 23-1/8 which offers guidance. The loose impediments may not be removed in all instances when the ball has been lifted and must be replaced.

I agree. 20-3b-8 isn't helpful to the situation outlined.

 

[Colin L]

To my mind, Jim, the principle of Lift, Clean and Replace is that the sole thing you are getting from it is a clean ball. You should not get any other gain such as removing a loose impediment that was under the ball and which you could not have removed without moving the ball... 23-1/8 makes that clear.

 

[rulefan]

MO also

 

[jim8flog]

Many thanks

As said the decision makes it absolutely clear.