Even the best golfers fall victim to the rules of the game — just ask Greg Norman, Paul Azinger, Craig Stadler, and more recently, Michelle Wie. The Advertiser, with help from Ko Olina director of golf Greg Nichols, will begin a question-answer feature on the rules of golf. If you have a question regarding the rules of golf e-mail a question to cmurayama@honoluluadvertiser.com.

The Rules of Golf, approved and edited by the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, is a book that allows golfers around the world to all play the same game.

The Rules of Golf is written in a very precise and deliberate manner for a reason. There are more than 60 defined terms under Definitions and these form the foundation of the rules.

The goal of this column is to answer readers questions regarding the rules and clear up some common misunderstandings.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the rules can purchase a Rules of Golf book, go online to www.usga.org, or consult with their local PGA Professional.

Q. I do believe that (during the third round of the Samsung World Championship), Grace Park removed rocks around her lie when the ball went into the desert. First she whiffed it, then she removed the rocks before hitting again. Are you allowed to improve your lie or swing by removing a natural ground obstruction? — Phil Arnold

A. Regarding improving your lie, the rules of golf generally state, "the ball must be played as it lies, except as otherwise provided in the Rules."

This rule is integral to the very spirit of the game as is the notion "to play the course as you find it." Bad lies or bad bounces for that matter are all part of the game.

In Grace Park's situation, as long as she was not in a hazard, she can remove rocks without penalty, regardless of their size, as long as they fit the definition of "loose impediments."

"Loose impediments" are generally defined by the Rules as being "natural objects, including stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like ... provided they are not fixed or growing, solidly embedded or adhering to the ball."

You may remember a couple of years back when Tiger Woods fans helped him to move a huge boulder that was blocking his swing and line of play. That huge boulder was deemed by the official on site to be a "loose impediment" since it was not "solidly embedded" and so it was OK for the boulder to be moved.

Obstructions are generally defined by the Rules of Golf as being "anything artificial" on the golf course, with some exceptions.

Rocks would not be considered obstructions under the rules, even though they may in fact block or obstruct a shot. Obstructions are typically man-made objects like cart paths, sprinkler heads, etc.

For a more complete explanation, I would recommend you to read Rule 13, Ball Played As It Lies, Rule 23 - Loose impediments and Rule 24 - Obstructions.

Even the best golfers fall victim to the rules of the game — just ask Greg Norman, Paul Azinger, Craig Stadler, and more recently, Michelle Wie.

The Advertiser, with help from Ko Olina director of golf Greg Nichols, will begin a question-answer feature on the rules of golf. If you have a question regarding the rules of golf e-mail a question to cmurayama@honoluluadvertiser.com.