Linda,
From everything I have read it seems that sand, soil and
dirt are ONLY considered to be loose impediments when they appear on
the green.
I know the rules regarding brushing loose impediments on the
putting surface changed in 2012/13 (I use my hat) but what about the fringe? In
local play I see others do it and I do it all the time when putting from
the fringe (except in tournaments when I don't do anything I am not 100%
certain of).
I guess my main question is: When I putt from the fringe or
apron, what am I allowed to do with the area between my ball and the intended
line of my putt? While I am asking, does anything change if I decide to chip
the ball, and if I can make changes for chipping, can I then change my mind and
putt?
Lou from Collierville, Tennessee
Dear Lou,
Sand and loose soil are defined as loose impediments only on the putting green [Definition
of “Loose Impediments”]. If you brush them away elsewhere, you will incur a
two-stroke penalty under Rule 13-2 for improving your lie, area of intended
stance or swing, or line of play.
You may not brush loose sand from the fringe, regardless of
whether you putt or chip your ball. The fringe is not the green. The
exception would be if your ball were lying on the fringe and another player
subsequently played out of a bunker and deposited sand around your ball. Since
you are always entitled to the lie your shot gave you, you would be permitted
to brush away sand around your ball that arrived after your ball was at rest.
Linda
Copyright © 2015 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
