Leaves in a bunker (not G.U.R.), drop or tough?

[BubbaP]

Imagine the winds had caused a decent pile of leaves to accumulate in a bunker. Ball lands in them, what is the ruling please?

 

[Colin L]

If you can’t see your ball and have to search for it, you may move leaves to find it, but must then replace the leaves (leaving just enough space to see your ball). Penalty stroke if you move your ball whilst searching; no penalty if you move it when replacing the leaves.

If you can see your ball, get on and play it, being careful not to touch any leaves with your backswing.

Once your ball is outside the bunker, you can be nice to those behind you by clearing some leaves out of the bunker.

 

[BubbaP]

Thanks Colin.
It wasn't me, but I was leaning towards tough as a hazard.
Good to know.

 

[rulefan]

It wasn't me

If you need to show them it is rule 12-1b

http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!rule-12,12-1