Golf Trivia - Second Edition THE OVERHANGING BRANCH Q: If a ball comes to rest under an overhanging branch making it difficult to swing the club, can a golfer move or break off the branches in order to hit the ball? According to rule 13-2 a golfer cannot move any part of the branch with his arms, hands or feet. He can however while gripping his club move into a natural hitting position by backing into the area with his body and if a branch is moved or broken there is no penalty. TO MOVE IT OR NOT TO MOVE IT ... Q: If I am ready to chip onto the green but another players ball is in my way and that player is still walking to the green, am I allowed to mark that ball? It's always a good idea to ask permission. In match play if you move the ball without the player's permission it is a 1 stroke penalty. In stroke play it can be moved without penalty.