Replace a hanging divot created by practice stroke?

[cliveb]

At the weekend one of my PPs took a practice swing quite close to his ball. It created what I'd call a "hanging divot" - ie. a clump of turf sticking up in the air and still attached at the front edge (so it wasn't a loose impediment). This was then interfering with his swing, so he tamped it down prior to actually addressing the ball.

Is that allowed? Could it be considered improving the swing path? Or is he entitled to whatever lie existed before taking the practice swing?

 

[doublebogey7]

No, decision 13-2/29 states "If a player worsens the lie of his ball, the area of his intended stance or swing, his line of play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole, or the area in which he is to drop or place a ball, he is not entitled to restore that area to its original condition."

 

[backwoodsman]

I'd say he's not allowed to put it back. Decision 13-2/29 is quite clear that if you worsen your area of swing, line of play, stance etc, prior to making your stroke, then tough, you're not allowed to restore it.

Darn ... 1 keystroke too late ...