Ruling on removing a loose impediment...a golf ball.

[ringin]

Here's a situation I thought of last evening. If I hit my ball into some deep rough, and upon finding / identifying my ball, I discover that there is another ball resting next to my ball. This ball is probably abandoned, and is definitely not the ball of anyone in my group.

Am I allowed to remove the other ball to allow me to play my shot? How should I proceed?

[atticusfinch]

Originally Posted by ringin

Here's a situation I thought of last evening. If I hit my ball into some deep rough, and upon finding / identifying my ball, I discover that there is another ball resting next to my ball. This ball is probably abandoned, and is definitely not the ball of anyone in my group.

Am I allowed to remove the other ball to allow me to play my shot? How should I proceed?

A stray ball is not a loose impediment, it is an obstruction. You said resting next to your ball as opposed to resting on or against your ball. If it can be removed readily , it can be removed and you should continue play.

[Leaguegolf]

Originally Posted by atticusfinch

A stray ball is not a loose impediment, it is an obstruction. You said resting next to your ball as opposed to resting on or against your ball. If it can be removed readily , it can be removed and you should continue play.

What happens if the stray ball is resting on, or against, his ball?

[Fourputt]

You still remove it as a movable obstruction. If your ball moves as a result of the action of removing the obstruction, you must replace it.... no penalty.