Is a 'beaver pelt' a loose impediment?

[jobin]

That long hunk of sod flying off the end of the 8iron or Pwedge, as seen on TV, is known as a beaver pelt. Once that sod piece hits the ground i would presume it becomes a loose impediment and liable to be moved at any player's discretion.

 

The sod piece however remains a living hunk of turf complete with attached roots, stems and leaves. Often the caddy here will replace that pelt back onto it's original position and press it down with her foot.  A player of course may do likewise.  Just as commonly the pelt may be replaced onto a different spot, one that has had sand poured onto the ground to cover the spot and encourage new growth.

 

When does that pelt stop being a loose impediment coz sooner or later those grass roots will penetrate the soil, or sand, and so become 'non-loose'?   A problem arises when the ball lies near, or worst case, precisely in front of, that newly replaced pelt of sod.  Hit the loose sod before ball and nothing good will happen coz the pelt will move with the clubhead.  

 

I know, i know! No ball movement in any case but can we just pull that sod piece away claiming a loose impediment?

[rogolf]

A divot that has not been replaced is a loose impediment and may be moved without penalty, provided that the ball does not move as a result.

However, Rule 8.1a prohibits removing or pressing down divots that have already been replaced.  This applies regardless of how well the divot may have been replaced (replaced = put in a divot hole with the roots down).  The divot does not need to be "replaced" in the divot hole it came from.

I'm uncertain about a divot being replaced on a filled divot hole, but feel that would qualify as a "replaced" divot.

Edited January 25, 2023 by rogolf

[antip]

It would most likely be uncommon for that divot to be producing roots and reconnecting to the ground before the next mower comes along and mulches it.