Golf’s “hand rule” is in full bloom, friends. Here’s what that means

Should you play golf this fall, and should you drift left, right, long, or short, and should your ball find cover under fallen leaves, and should you fail to find it even though you know it for sure? has To be sure, there is potential hope. In other words…

Leave Your worries are behind you.

Or!

Make it look like a tree…and leave.

(Sorry. Please stay here. Please don’t click away. It’s late afternoon and that’s all the author has to say.)

The point is that, if a golf course or tournament committee is understanding, players can obtain relief (re-leaf?) under the scenario presented in paragraph 1 via Model Local Rule F-14 – commonly referred to as “Leaf Rule” is known.” You may have heard of it. It might be new for you. So here it is in its entirety, either as a refresher or as a lifeline of sorts:

“During the game [specify hole number]any soil with temporary accumulations of [identify types of loose impediments ] in the general area or in a bunker shall be treated as ground under repair from which free relief is permitted in accordance with Rule 16.1.”

This is also stated in the USGA online rules under “Purpose:”

“At certain times of the year it may be difficult for a player to find or play their ball due to piles of loose obstacles such as leaves, seeds or acorns. A Committee may decide to treat such piles of loose natural hazards in the general area or in a bunker as ground under repair from which free relief is possible in accordance with Rule 16.1.

“This local rule may not be applied to penalty areas, as no relief is possible in the event of abnormal track conditions in penalty areas.

“The local rule should be limited to those holes where problems arise from such loose natural hazards and should be withdrawn as soon as conditions permit.”

In short, the rule essentially means that you get a free drop if you can’t find your ball, you’re sure it’s in the court, and it could be under a pile of leaves, for example. And if the rule is not in force? If you don’t find your ball within three minutes or less, it is considered lost – and you must hit again and take a penalty stroke.

In particular, there are a few other things to consider for fall, and we’ll discuss some of them with a quick question and answer session.

Can you move leaves?

Yes, and you can do this anywhere on the golf course, including in a bunker or penalty area – but if your ball moves while doing so, it is a one-stroke penalty and you must replace the ball (unless it moves when putting). Green; then you can simply put the ball back and continue playing without penalty).

Do ventilation holes bring you relief?

No – unless the model location rule E-4 is in play. This rule states: “If a player’s ball is in or touches a ventilation hole: (a) Ball in the general area.” The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. If the ball comes to rest in another vent, the player may take relief again in accordance with this local rule. (b) Ball on the putting green. The player may claim relief under Rule 16.1d. However, there is no interference if the vent only interferes with the player’s posture or range of intended swing or, on the putting green, the player’s line of play.”

Get relief on fall maintenance projects?

Yes. According to a story written by Danny Vohden for the USGA’s website, “any holes or trenches created by maintenance personnel on projects of this type are considered ‘ground in repair’ and you are entitled to free relief.”

Is there a right way to dress?

Yes. According to GOLF Top 100 Instructor Sarah Stone, it’s important to layer without feeling bulky—and never forget the importance of keeping your feet dry.

“Put on multiple layers of clothing, but try to use thinner performance pieces that aren’t too bulky in the swing,” Stone told GOLF’s Nick Dimengo last year. “Perhaps choosing a vest to wear over the top will also make movement easier.

“I also like to pack a pair of dry socks in a ziplock bag just in case it rains. Wet feet are the worst.”

Nick Piastowski

Golf.com Publisher

Nick Piastowski is a senior editor at Golf.com and Golf Magazine. In his role, he is responsible for editing, writing and developing stories across golf. And when he’s not writing about ways to hit the golf ball farther and straighter, the Milwaukee native is probably playing the game, hitting the ball left, right and short, and drinking a cold beer to wash away his score. You can contact him about any of these topics – his stories, his playing or his beers – at [email protected].