Rules · Tip
Moving Leaves, Twigs and Stones
Part of our rules programs. Build a program with it
Loose natural things, like leaves, twigs, stones and bugs, are loose impediments. Under Rule 15.1a, you can move them almost anywhere for free. Even in bunkers and penalty areas. The catch is your ball. If moving one makes your ball move, you usually take one penalty stroke and put it back. That doesn't apply on the green. So clear what you need, but be careful near a ball sitting up in leaves or rough. Move things gently, one at a time.
Step by step
- Check it's natural and loose.
- Remove it gently.
- Work away from the ball.
- On the green, brush freely.
- Ball moves off the green? Replace it, add a stroke.
Why it works
A loose impediment is a natural object that is not fixed, growing or stuck in the ground. Removing it does not change the course, so the rules let you clear it almost anywhere. The ball is the only real risk. A ball resting on or against leaves or twigs can shift when you take them away, and off the green that costs a stroke. On the green the rules treat that movement differently, so you can brush freely there.
Common mistakes
- Removing something that is not loose, such as a stuck stone, a growing branch or a root.Check that the object is natural and loose first, and leave anything attached or embedded where it is.
- Grabbing leaves or twigs right beside the ball in one quick sweep.Start at the outer edge, work toward the ball, and lift one item at a time.
- Forgetting the penalty after the ball moves off the green.Replace the ball on its original spot and add one penalty stroke.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball stays still every time you clear the area around it.
- You can say whether each item is natural and loose before you touch it.
- You clear the area in a calm, unhurried way, with no sweeping or poking near the ball.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practise on a flat lawn with a ball and a few leaves, and keep the leaves a clubhead or more away from the ball.
Harder: Practise with a ball sitting up in a pile of leaves and twigs, and remove each piece without the ball moving.
Common questions
Can I move leaves in a bunker?
Yes. Leaves, twigs and stones are loose impediments, and you can remove them from a bunker for free. If your ball moves while you do it, you take one penalty stroke and replace the ball.
What happens if my ball moves when I remove a loose impediment?
Off the green, you take one penalty stroke and replace the ball on its original spot. On the green, there is no penalty and you replace the ball.
