Can I move stones or movable obstructions to improve my lie?

Yes, you can remove loose impediments like stones and movable obstructions anywhere on the course, including to improve your lie, but there's a key exception when replacing a ball on its original spot.

Loose impediments like stones

Stones, leaves, twigs and other loose impediments can be removed anywhere on the course — fairway, rough, bunker, penalty area, even the putting green. You can do it to improve your lie, your stance, your swing area or your line of play. Just be careful: if removing the impediment causes your ball to move, you get one penalty stroke and must replace the ball (except on the putting green where there's no penalty).

Movable obstructions

Artificial objects that can be moved without unreasonable effort — rakes, bottles, scorecards, stakes — are movable obstructions. You can remove them anywhere, even in a bunker or penalty area. If your ball moves while you're removing the obstruction, there's no penalty; just put the ball back where it was.

The exception when replacing a ball

Before you replace a ball on its original spot (like after lifting it to identify it or because it interfered with another player), you must not remove a loose impediment that, if moved when the ball was at rest, would likely have caused the ball to move. The risk is on you. But when you're dropping or placing a ball in a relief area — not putting it back on a specific spot — you can clear loose impediments first.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Replacing a ball on its original spot → You cannot remove a loose impediment that would likely have caused the ball to move when the ball was at rest.

Frequently asked questions

Can I move a stone right behind my ball in the fairway?

Yes, stones are loose impediments and you can remove them anywhere, including right behind your ball, to improve your lie. Just don't let the ball move.

What if I move a rake in a bunker and my ball rolls?

No penalty. Rakes are movable obstructions. Replace the ball on its original spot and carry on.

Can I clear leaves from my relief area before dropping?

Absolutely. When you're dropping or placing a ball in a relief area, you're allowed to remove loose impediments first.

My ball sits on a pine cone in the rough. Can I move the cone?

Yes, pine cones are loose impediments. Remove it, but if the ball moves you add one penalty stroke and replace it.

Does this apply in penalty areas too?

Yes, you can remove loose impediments and movable obstructions in penalty areas just like anywhere else.