Rules question · Rule 15.1c · Expert
Ball moves when removing a leaf in a bunker: what is the ruling in match play?
In match play your ball lies in a bunker. You remove a leaf right next to it, and your ball moves. You replace it. What is the ruling?
Answer
One penalty stroke, the hole is not lost
You were allowed to remove the leaf, in a bunker too since 2019. But if your ball moves while you do so, you get one penalty stroke and must replace it. That also applies in match play: loss of hole is only the general penalty, and a one-stroke penalty remains a penalty stroke.