Can I move a loose impediment without penalty?

Yes, you can remove loose impediments anywhere on the course without penalty (Rule 15.1a). The only catch: if you're putting a lifted ball back in its exact spot, you can't clear away impediments that would've moved the ball — do that and it's one penalty stroke.

The general rule: clear them away

A loose impediment is any unattached natural object — stones, leaves, twigs, pine cones, even dead animals or worm casts. You can pick them up, brush them aside, or kick them out of the way anywhere: fairway, rough, bunker, penalty area, even the putting green. No penalty, no need to tell anyone. Just don't press your club down to improve the lie while you're at it.

When you're replacing a ball, hands off

If you lifted your ball (say, to identify it or because it interfered with another player) and now you're putting it back on its original spot, Exception 1 kicks in. You must not deliberately remove a loose impediment that, if moved while the ball was at rest, would likely have caused the ball to move. If you do, it's one penalty stroke. The impediment stays removed — you don't have to put it back.

Dropping or placing? Go ahead and clean up

When you're taking relief and dropping or placing a ball in a relief area — not replacing it on a precise spot — you're free to remove loose impediments first. The ball isn't going back to a specific location, so there's no risk of moving it at rest. Clear the area, then drop.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Replacing a lifted or moved ball anywhere except the putting green → One penalty stroke if you deliberately remove a loose impediment that would likely have moved the ball at rest; the impediment does not need to be replaced

Frequently asked questions

Can I move a stone in a bunker before my shot?

Yes. Stones are loose impediments and you can remove them anywhere, including bunkers, without penalty (Rule 15.1a). Just don't improve the conditions affecting your stroke while doing it.

What if my ball moves while I'm removing a loose impediment?

If the ball moves while you're removing a loose impediment, replace it without penalty — unless you were replacing a lifted ball and the impediment was one you weren't allowed to touch under Exception 1, in which case it's one penalty stroke.

Can I clear leaves from my relief area before dropping?

Yes. When dropping or placing a ball in a relief area, you can remove loose impediments first. The ball isn't being returned to a specific spot, so Exception 1 doesn't apply.

Does this apply on the putting green too?

Yes, you can remove loose impediments on the green. Exception 1 doesn't apply on the putting green at all — you can clear anything while replacing a ball there.

What counts as a loose impediment?

Any unattached natural object: stones, leaves, twigs, branches, pine cones, dead animals, insect casings, worm casts, clumps of compacted soil. Not loose impediments: sand, loose soil (except on the green), dew, frost, water.