Written by: Darin Green, Senior Director of Rules & Competitions
The FSGA is keeping those affected by Hurricane Ian in our thoughts and prayers. We send our best wishes to everyone affected as they begin work through the recovery process.
While most parts of the state are busy recovering from the effects of the hurricane, people in other parts of state may take advantage of the nice weather and try getting out on the course. As golfers get back on the courses over the next several days, they are likely to encounter more debris on the course than normal.
I have written about loose impediments and obstructions in the past and you can find that article HERE; however, I felt this is a topic worth revisiting. Below is a summary on how to handle effects of a storm on the course while playing.
Broken Branches, Twigs, Leaves, Moss, Etc.
Any natural objects that have broken or fallen off living objects and are now detached and movable, and can be moved before playing a stroke; however, the ball must not move when the debris is moved. If the ball moves as a result of the debris being removed, add a one-stroke penalty and put the ball back.
Please note that moss is only a loose impediment when it lays on the ground, not in a tree.
Fallen Trees Still Attached to the Ground
Most trees that are knocked over by wind remain attached to its base and root structure. When this is case, the fallen tree is just a tree laying on the ground. It is not a loose impediment or ground under repair. Without any Local Rules in place, there is no free relief from a tree that fell and is still attached to the ground. With that said, the Committee (club’s professional staff), would be justified in declaring and marking the area of a fallen tree as ground under repair.
Debris Piled for Removal
Courses’ maintenance crews will have some tough tasks ahead of them. Most clubs will need several days or weeks to clean up the messes Ian caused. If you encounter debris on the course that someone has piled in preparation for removal, it is ground under repair (free relief). For example, if a fallen tree is in the process of cut up and logs have been piled for removal, the area is ground under repair. Additionally, any hole made by the maintenance staff, for instance a hole made while removing a tree stump, is ground under repair.
Best wishes to those recovering from this week’s storm.
