Decision 13-4/4
Touching Grass with Club During Practice Swing in Hazard
Question:- A player takes a practice swing in a water hazard without grounding his club, but his club touches some long grass. Is there a penalty?
Answer:- No – see Note to Rule 13-4. However the player must ensure that his actions do not breach Rule 13-2 or constitute testing the conditions of the Hazard.
Interesting Note to Rule 13-4 Ball In Hazard; Prohibited Actions
At any time, including at address or in the backward movement for the stroke, the player may touch, with a club or otherwise, any obstruction, any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing.