Steen Stumper Answer - Miami Valley Golf

Steen Stumper for 2026-08-22 - Answer

In stroke play, a player’s ball which is visible and identifiable in a bunker, moves when they remove a loose impediment in the bunker. What penalty does the player get?

No penalty under Rule 9.4, and they must replace the ball and the loose impediment.
One stroke under Rule 9.4 and they must replace the ball, but not the loose impediment.
One stroke under Rule 9.4 and they must replace the ball and the loose impediment.
Two strokes under Rule 15.1a, no penalty under Rule 9.4 as long as they replace the ball. If they fail to replace the ball, two additional penalty strokes under Rule 9.4. There is no requirement to replace the loose impediment.

Answer: B. Multiple rules are used to get the correct answer of this question. Under Rule 9.4a, once the player has caused their ball to move, the ball must be replaced on its original spot. Rule 15.1a covers Removal of Loose Impediments. This Rule states that without penalty, a player may remove a loose impediment anywhere on or off the course and they may do so in anyway. However, there are two exceptions – the first exception applies in this question. This exception clarifies “Removing Loose Impediment Where Ball Must Be Replaced.” The exception says a player must not deliberately remove a loose impediment that, if moved before the ball was lifted or moved, would have likely causes the ball to move. If the player does so, they get one penalty stroke, but the removed loose impediment does not need to be replaced. Therefore, the answer must be B. We know the player gets one penalty stroke, the ball must be replaced, but the loose impediment does not.

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