[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Using Loose Impediments on the Field"

Both players and caddies can remove loose impediments.

‘Loose impediments’.

This is a compound term referring to movable obstacles in golf. "Loose" means ‘loose, not fixed, movable’ in English, and "impediments" means ‘obstacles’. Loose impediments include stones on the course, as well as leaves, insects, branches, pine cones, dead animals, and animal waste.

They are natural objects that do not grow naturally and are not firmly embedded in the ground. Objects attached to the ground or the ball, or those that are growing, are not considered loose impediments. You may remove branches or stones next to the ball before making a shot. However, dew, frost, water, sand, or scattered soil are not loose impediments and cannot be removed (Rule 8-1a). If the ball moves while removing loose impediments, a one-stroke penalty is applied (Rule 15.1b).

There is a golfer who skillfully uses the ‘loose impediments rule’. He is the ‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA). On the final day of the 1999 PGA Tour Phoenix Open, at the 13th hole (par 5), his tee shot hit a 1000-pound large rock and stopped behind it. Officials ruled it a loose impediment, and he moved the rock together with the gallery.

A: What are loose impediments in golf?

B: Twigs and stones, not actually growing, and not stuck to the ball, which may be removed from around it without penalty.

A: May I remove this twig in the bunker?

B: Yes, you can. When removing any loose impediments, be careful not to move your ball.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist