Loose obstructive natural material
Unless both the loose obstructive natural material and the ball lie in or touch the same obstruction, loose obstructive natural material may be moved without penalty.
If the ball is anywhere other than on the green and the player's removal of a loose obstructive natural material causes the ball to move, Rule 18-2a applies.
If the player accidentally moves the ball or ball marker when removing a loose obstructing natural material on the green, the ball or ball marker must be put back. This is not punishable, provided that the movement of the ball or ball marker is directly attributable to the actual action of removing the loose obstructive natural material. Otherwise, the player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a if he caused the ball to be moved.
As long as a ball is in motion, loose obstructive natural material that could influence the movement of the ball may not be moved.
Note: If the ball is in an obstacle, the player may not touch or move any loose obstructive natural material that is in or touching the same obstacle - see Rule 13-4c.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF THE RULES:
Hole play - Hole loss; Counting play - Two strokes.
(Searching for the ball in the hazard - see Rule 12-1.)
(Touching the putting line - see Rule 16-1a.)
Status: 2018