The following scenario occurs every October.
Names may be changed to protect individuals.
Nick P.P. Nick P.
Nick P. Friend: “Yeah, I was shocked, you just hit it.”
Nick P. : [Frowns. Murmurs. Reconsiders friendship with his friend.]
Nick P. Friend: “But I can help you find it.”
[They search for three minutes. They come up empty.]
Nick P. : “Well, nothing. But ‘leaf rules’ are at play here. I’m going to take advantage of it.”
Friend Nick P “What are the leaf rules??”
Good question, friend. We can help. In golf’s rule book, which is actually a local rule for model F-14, it’s called “Accumulation of Handicap Hurdle” and it reads like this:
“In drama [specify hole number]the basis for any temporary accumulation [identify types of loose impediments ] On ground deemed to be under repair in the general area or in a bunker, free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. “
The rulebook also explains the “purpose” of the rules, and does so like this:
“At certain times of the year, a pile of loose obstacles such as leaves, seeds or acorns may make it difficult for players to find or play. The committee may choose to place a pile of loose obstacles throughout the area or on the ground as a free relief under Rule 16.1.
“This local rule shall not be used in penalty areas because there is no remedy for unusual course conditions in penalty areas.
“Local rules should be limited to loopholes where issues should be withdrawn immediately as conditions warrant.”
In a nutshell, this rule essentially means that you get a penalty-free drop when you can’t find the ball, and you can be sure it’s within range, for example, it might be under a bunch of leaves. And what if there are no rules in effect for the golf course or tournament committee? If you can’t find the ball in three minutes or less, it’s considered lost – and you must replay the ball, taking a free throw.
Back to the conversation above.
Nick P. : “Okay, I’m going to drop mine here.”
[Nick P. proceeds to top his ball.]
Nick P., a friend, laughed: “Are there rules?”
Nick P. : [Again frowns. Again murmurs. Again reconsiders friendship with his friend.]
It’s worth noting that there are a few other items to keep in mind for the fall, which we’ll review with a brief Q&A.
Can you remove the leaves?
Yes, you can do this anywhere on the golf course, including in a bunker or penalty area – however, if your ball moves while doing this, that’s a one-stroke penalty and you must put the ball back (unless it moves green on the putt; then you can put the ball back and score without penalty).
Can you extricate yourself from an aeration hole?
No – unless model local rule E-4 is in effect. The rule states: “If a player’s ball is in or touches an aeration hole: (a) A ball in the general area. The player may relieve under Rule 16.1b. If the ball comes to rest in another aeration hole, the player may relieve again under local rules. (b) If the ball comes to rest in another aeration hole, the player may relieve under Rule 16.1d, or surface on a driving green, during the player’s play.”
Can you get relief from fall maintenance projects?
Yes. According to a story written by Danny Vohden for the USGA website: “During these types of projects, any holes or trenches created by maintenance crews are considered ‘surface under repair’ and you have the right to free relief.”
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