Breaking a Tree on the Tee Box

[scottie99]

Can I get opinions please?

A player is playing his tee shot and tees up too near trees at edge of teeing area. On his back swing he breaks leaves but aborts swing on downswing before hitting ball.

Has he occurred a penalty for braking leaves as the aborted swing may count as a practise swing, or is there no penalty as the ball is not yet in ply?

[saevel25]

Quote

b. Actions That Are Allowed

In preparing for or making a stroke, a player may take any of these actions and there is no penalty even if doing so improves the conditions affecting the stroke:.....

(8) In the teeing area:

    •    Place a tee in or on the ground (see Rule 6.2b(2)),

    •    Move, bend or break any growing or attached natural object (see Rule 6.2b(3)), and

    •    Alter the surface of the ground, remove or press down sand and soil, or remove dew, frost or water (see Rule 6.2b(3)).

I would say they are not penalized. It looks like the intent of the teeing ground is to be free of natural obstruction.

[Rulesman]

6.2b(3) is rather more specific:

Before making a stroke, the player may ....................

Move, bend or break grass, weeds and other natural objects that are attached or growing in the ground in the teeing area.