You may normally remove a loose branch or twig from a bunker. It must not be growing or fixed in the sand. If your ball moves when you remove it, replace the ball; outside the putting green, the general penalty normally applies.
Bunkers have special rules about sand and touching the ground. A loose natural object is not the same as sand or a growing part of a plant.
When may you remove it?
A dry, freely lying branch or twig is normally a loose impediment and may be removed from a bunker. A growing branch, rooted plant part or an object firmly stuck in the sand is not freely removable.
| Normally removable | Do not simply remove |
|---|---|
| Loose branch or twig | Growing branch |
| Single loose leaf | Fixed plant part |
| Loose stone | Sand or loose soil |
What if the ball moves?
If you move your ball while removing the loose branch, you normally get one penalty stroke outside the putting green and must replace the ball on its original spot.
See what happens when a ball moves after address for the general approach to cause and replacement.
What must you not confuse with a loose branch?
Sand and loose soil are not loose impediments. Before the stroke, you must not test the sand or touch it directly in front of or behind the ball when that improves the conditions affecting the stroke.
A safe approach
- Check that the branch is truly loose.
- Remove it carefully without changing the ball or sand.
- If the ball moves, replace it and apply the required penalty.
- In a competition, leave the ball in place and ask the committee if unsure.
The essential point
A loose branch may be removed from a bunker. Growing or fixed material, and sand, may not. If the ball moves while removing it, replace the ball and normally add a penalty outside the putting green.
Sources
The following official or specialist sources were used to verify this independently written guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules, prices or factual information in this guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules, prices or factual information in this guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules, prices or factual information in this guide.
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