Loose impediments are natural objects that are likely to be found on a golf course and are expected to interfere at some point in a round. Because of this, loose impediments can be can moved out of the way so long as doing so does not move the ball. But since these objects are found regularly, when the ball is not on the putting green if the ball is accidentally moved in the process of moving the loose impediment, the player gets a penalty stroke.

What Are Loose Impediments?

Loose impediments are unattached natural objects (stones, leaves, twigs, pine cones, etc.), that are not attached, growing, solidly embedded in the ground or sticking to the ball.

Insects, worms and similar animals and their casts (spider webs are loose impediments even though they are technically attached to something) or heaps (like anthills) are also considered loose impediments.

Sand and loose soil, although they are natural objects are not loose impediments, but may be moved on the putting green.

Snow and natural ice (not including frost) are loose impediments but can also be considered temporary water when on the ground at the option of the player.

Dew and frost are just dew and frost. These are not considered loose impediments.

When And How Can I Move Loose Impediments?

Loose impediments may be moved anywhere on or off the course with two restrictions:

• A loose impediment may not be moved deliberately to affect a ball in motion, and
• Before replacing a ball, a loose impediment must not be deliberately moved if it would likely have caused the replaced ball to move.

A player can move loose impediments in any way, including by hand, with a towel, a hat, a club or could even be blown away if possible. The player still needs to be careful not to otherwise improve the area around the ball or move the ball.