Rules question · Rule 8.1b · Hard
Moved a branch to check if it is loose: is there a penalty?
There is a branch next to your ball. You move it to see whether it is loose. But it is still attached to the tree. What is the ruling?
Answer
No penalty, as long as you return it as nearly as possible to its original position
You may move a natural object to see whether it is loose. If it turns out to be attached, it must stay attached, and you return it as nearly as possible to its original position. If you leave it so that it makes your stroke easier, it is two penalty strokes.