Rules question · Rule 9.4b · Expert
Ball in a tree: can I shake the tree?
You believe your ball is lodged in a tree. You make it clear that you will treat it as unplayable once it is found, and you shake the tree. The ball falls down and you identify it within the three-minute search time. How many penalty strokes do you get in total?
Answer
One, for the unplayable ball
Moving your ball while searching or in order to apply a Rule costs nothing. Only the penalty stroke for the unplayable ball remains, and you estimate the spot where the ball lay in the tree. If instead you move the ball out of the tree while preparing to make a stroke, there is an additional penalty stroke.
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