What is the rule regarding a tree stump ? ie a tree that has been cut down but the stump is left in place. Is it treated as still a tree or as tree roots, free relief or penalty drop ?
What is the rule regarding a tree stump ? ie a tree that has been cut down but the stump is left in place. Is it treated as still a tree or as tree roots, free relief or penalty drop ?
In the absence of a local rule, a tree stump has no special status. Play it as it lies.
Interpretation Ground Under Repair/3 - Fallen Tree or Tree Stump Is Not Always Ground Under Repair
A fallen tree or tree stump that the Committee intends to remove, but is not in the process of being removed, is not automatically ground under repair. However, if the tree and the tree stump are in the process of being unearthed or cut up for later removal, they are "material piled for later removal" and therefore ground under repair.
For example, a tree that has fallen in the general area and is still attached to the stump is not ground under repair. However, a player could request relief from the Committee and the Committee would be justified in declaring the area covered by the fallen tree to be ground under repair.
It is simply the default under the rules: play the course as you find it and play the ball as it lies (rules 8 and 9). It is very common in my experience to have tree stumps on a course, that is, trees that have been cut off near the ground. Unless the Committee marks them as relief or unless there is a clear process of removal underway - which would enable them to meet the definition of GUR - the player has no protection from any challenge these stumps pose.
