TheRULES
Getting a Handle
on Loose Impediments
The Rules of Golf provide
direction to players when
Mother Nature or other
circumstances intervene
and affect a ball’s position
by TOM CARPUS, P.G.A.
I
6
The simple movement of a leaf can create a Rules’ quandary.
The answers to both questions was “yes.”
Based on this information, the answer is
found in Rule 19, Ball in Motion Deflected
or Stopped. First, it’s important to note that
the leaf is both a loose impediment and an
outside agency under the Rules of Golf. If you
read and understand the definitions in the
Rules’ book, you will find that things on the
course can have dual status.
Therefore, Rule 19-1b, Ball in Motion
Deflected or Stopped By Outside