Since the 2019 rules change, you may remove loose impediments like stones, leaves, and twigs from a bunker with no penalty under Rule 15.1 — just don't move the ball or ground your club.
What counts as a loose impediment?
| Object | Loose impediment? | Removable in bunker? |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves, twigs, pine cones | Yes | Yes — no penalty |
| Stones and pebbles | Yes | Yes — no penalty |
| Dead insects | Yes | Yes — no penalty |
| Bottle caps, wrappers, cigarette butts | No — movable obstructions | Yes — also removable, no penalty |
| Grass growing in the bunker | No — it's growing | No — play it as it lies |
What still costs you two strokes?
- Grounding your club in the sand before your stroke (Rule 12.2b)
- Testing the sand by touching it to learn its condition (Rule 12.2b)
- Failing to replace the ball if it moves while removing the impediment
The Justin Thomas incident
At the 2025 RBC Heritage, Justin Thomas was penalized for moving a loose impediment in a bunker — but the ruling hinged on a specific local rule in effect that week, not the standard Rule 15.1.
Quick answers
Can you remove a stone from a bunker? Yes, since 2019, under Rule 15.1.
Can you remove a leaf in a bunker? Yes.
What is a loose impediment in golf? A natural object not fixed or growing: leaves, twigs, stones, pine cones, dead insects.
Can you touch the sand while removing a loose impediment? Yes, incidentally, but not to ground your club or test the sand.
What if the ball moves while I'm removing the impediment? No penalty, but you must replace it on the original spot.