I was asked this question this past summer via telephone from a gentleman who was not sure. It was an excellent question.

Many golfers do not realize that sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green only. Sand and loose soil may not be removed elsewhere if such removal would improve the player’s lie of ball, area of intended stance, area of intended swing, or line of play.

Where does one find this answer ? In the definition of loose impediment, which is included in Section II (Definitions) of the Rules of Golf Booklet. Section II begins within the first few pages of the booklet.

Loose impediments are defined as, "natural objects such as stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like, dung, worms and insects and casts or heaps made by them, provided they are not fixed or growing, are not solidly embedded and do not adhere to the ball.

Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green, but not elsewhere. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Snow and frost are not loose impediments.

Another interesting part of the definition of loose impediment is that it must not be solidly embedded (i.e. an acorn embedded in the ground) or adhere to the ball (i.e. a small blade of grass that adheres to the ball).

Also, in accordance with Rule 13-4c, a loose impediment lying in or touching a hazard may not be touched. This means that any loose impediment in a bunker or water hazard may not be moved if the players ball is lying in or touching the same bunker or water hazard. Most of us have incurred this situation playing the game. How many times have you been faced with a shot from a bunker with a leaf in the same bunker interfering with your stroke ? According to the Rules, that leaf is a loose impediment and cannot be touched or moved.

Remember, learn the Rules and play by the Rules. It truly makes the game more enjoyable.

[Editors note: You can click here to review Decisions on the Rules of Golf and other related titles from Amazon.com.]

(click the book for pricing info from Amazon.com)

About the Author  The United States Golf Association decides on the Rules and Decisions changes for the United States and Mexico. Book Description  The biannual publication of the Rules of Golf Decisions book incorporating the every four year Rules change effective January 1, 2004. This publication makes any publication published before this obsolete. Customer Review:  Definitive -- and entertaining, at least for a rule book! Decisions on the Rules of Golf contains actual questions from actual players, and actual answers from the USGA -- over 600 pages of questions and answers! All of which are divided according to various rules and their subparts. A very helpful index makes it easy to find quickly any answer to any question you might have.