Whats the ruling in stroke play? In reference to golf.?

Question

A players ball lies on a path that is cover with wood chips. He removes some chips and then properly takes relief under the obstruction rule.

Answer 1

http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/rules....

Answer 2

The player has the option to

A- play the ball where it lies and move the chips that affect his swing as movable obstructions.  He may not improve his lie, however.

B- Because the wood chips make the path an artificial surface (like gravel or blacktop) take a free drop 2 club lengths away from the path, no closer to the hole.

I suppose the only reason he would want to hit from the path is because a drop would place him behind a tree or something.

Answer 3

No penalty. The wood chips are considered loose impediements, and the player is allowed to move them.

Decision 23/14.

Answer 4

2 club lengths from cart path no closer to the hole

Answer 5

my question is why is he removing chips then taking relief? is this area considered GUR or a manmade obstruction in the local rules? otherwise i believe you play it as it lies. He would be guilty of moving his ball in breach of the rules and its a 2 stroke penalty.

If it is a path for carts or walking and is considered such, then he would be right in taking relief, but only if that's the case. If it's an area of landscaping it's not right then.