For those hearty souls who brave the rain, wind and cold temperatures during the Northwest’s winter golf season, one reminder as it relates to Rule 25 - Abnormal Ground Conditions – might be in order.

In our part of the world, windstorms are a frequent occurrence during the winter months. Oftentimes, when such a windstorm passes through it leaves in its wake tree branches, leaves and other material strewn all across the golf course. Removing what can be large amounts of material sometimes presents a difficult task for the golf course superintendent. With less daylight and smaller winter staffs to do the work, it can take several days to rake up branches and leaves into piles before finally removing them. Note 1 under Rule 25 determines how material piled for removal, as opposed to material permanently discarded is to be handled:

Note 1: Grass cuttings and other material left on the course which have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless so marked.

What this means is that if such material has been piled and permanently discarded by the maintenance crew, the player is not entitled to relief. However, if the material has been temporarily piled for the purpose of removal in the near future, then it is deemed to be an abnormal ground condition and ground under repair and the player is entitled to relief.

If interference exists from material that has been piled for removal and the ball lies in or touches the condition or the condition interferes with the stance or area of intended swing, then determine the nearest point of relief, lift the ball and drop it within one club length not nearer the hole.

However, it is also important to point out that if the ball lies in a water hazard and interference exists from material that has been piled for removal in the hazard, you are out of luck. A different Note 1, this time under Rule 25-1, prohibits relief in such a situation.

Questions regarding the Rules of Golf may be directed to the PNGA office in Seattle at 800-643-6410 or to your state or provincial golf association office.