Grass Cuttings on fairway or in the rough

Question
Hi, If a ball is sitting on top of a small pile of grass cuttings on the fairway, is this classed as a loose impediment meaning you can lift the ball, remove the cuttings and place the ball back on the fairway in the original place?  Or would you just have to play the ball as it lay.  Thanks


Answer
Alan,

If your ball is sitting on top a pile of grass clippings you must play the ball as it lies. Grass clippings, in general, are loose impediments and can be removed provided the ball does not move in the process.

Thank You,

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional