Brushing loose impediments?

[saltman]

As far as I can tell there is no rule against brushing loose impediments on the putting surface correct? You cannot tap them, but you can brush with your hand or putter or hat or whatever. Is this correct?

[iacas]

As far as I can tell there is no rule against brushing loose impediments on the putting surface correct? You cannot tap them, but you can brush with your hand or putter or hat or whatever. Is this correct?

Right. You can remove loose impediments NOT on the putting green too.

Why are you asking? http://www.usga.org/bookrule.aspx?id=14298

[imtomtomim]

actually, what's the rule on fixing ball marks on your putting line?

[saltman]

Right. You can remove loose impediments NOT on the putting green too.

A guy I was playing with today told me it was illegal to brush and he actually said you CAN tap or pick up, but not brush. I said I thought he was wrong, but didn't feel like getting into it.

[VOX]

Until a couple of years ago you could only brush with your hand or putter (not with a towel, hat etc). That rule was changed so brush away.

[iacas]

Until a couple of years ago you could only brush with your hand or putter (not with a towel, hat etc). That rule was changed so brush away.

Yeah, that guy who told you otherwise seems not to have updated his knowledge of the rules. They change every few years.

[Ignorant]

Yup, brushing is allowed, but bear this in mind:

16-1a/9 Brushing Loose Impediments Off Line of Putt with Palm of Hand

Q. A player, with about one dozen strokes with the whole palm of his hand, attempted to remove small leaves, which are difficult to remove by any method, from his line of putt. Is this permissible under Rule 16-1a?

A. The action described exceeded that authorized by Rule 16-1a and was a breach of the Rule.

[Ignorant]

actually, what's the rule on fixing ball marks on your putting line?

See Rule 16-1c:

c. Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player’s ball lies on the putting green . If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of the repair, the ball or ball-marker must be replaced.There is no penalty, provided the movement of the ball or ball-marker is directly attributable to the specific act of repairing an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball. Otherwise, Rule 18 applies. Any other damage to the putting green must not be repaired if it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.

[Zeph]

If you are taking a drop, with or without penalty, are you allowed to clear the dropping area for twigs, leaves, cones etc. or are you only allowed to remove those not being in contact with or in some other way supporting the ball after it's been dropped?

[iacas]

If you are taking a drop, with or without penalty, are you allowed to clear the dropping area for twigs, leaves, cones etc. or are you only allowed to remove those not being in contact with or in some other way supporting the ball after it's been dropped?

If they're loose impediments, you can move them whenever you want (so long as your ball doesn't move, you're not in a bunker or water hazard, etc.).