Question by Elthan Kock:
What is the ruling around Animal Droppings in and around a tree taller than 2m...?
Answer:
Firstly we must look at the definition of Loose Impediments. A Loose Impediment is anything natural and not artificial provided they are not fixed, growing, solidly embedded or adhering to the ball. Thus animal droppings, large or small are deemed loose impediments because they are natural and not artificial, and must be treated the same as twigs, fallen leaves, stone etc.
Through the Green is the whole area of the course except the teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played, and all hazards on the course.
Procedure:
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Through the Green:
The player is not entitled to a free drop. However, the animal droppings unless adhering to the ball may be moved without Penalty anywhere through the green, including the area where the ball is to be dropped or placed. When removing a loose impediment and the ball is moved a 1 Stroke Penalty is incurred. The ball must be replaced and if not then a further 1 Stroke Penalty is incurred (Ball played from a wrong place).
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Putting Green:
Loose impediments on the putting green may be moved by any means (hand, towel, cap, glove or club) except that, when removed from the line of a putt nothing must be pressed down. If the ball is caused to move on the putting green while removing a loose impediment there is no Penalty provided the movement of the ball was “directly attributable” to the removal of the loose impediment. Loose impediments attached to a ball on the putting green may be removed.
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Bunker:
A player may not touch any loose impediments such as stones, twigs, leaves, insects etc when addressing the ball or on his backswing. Penalty 2 Strokes / Loss of Hole.
References:
Play Your Golf by the Rules:
- Definitions – Pg. 10
- Bunker – Pg. 50
- Loose Impediments – Pg. 79
- Putting Green – Pg. 108
- Through the Green – Pg. 148
