Rules question · Rule 10.2b · Hard
Ball next to a cactus: what can I do?
Your ball lies right next to a cactus. Which of these is allowed?
Answer
Wrapping a towel around your legs
You may protect yourself against the spines, for example with a towel wrapped around your legs. If you place the towel on the cactus or break it, you improve the area of your intended stance and get the general penalty. Free relief is only available for dangerous animals, not for prickly plants. If you do not want to play next to the cactus, you may declare the ball unplayable with one penalty stroke.