Are sand on the fairway and sand on the green considered loose impediments?

In the context of golf, loose impediments refer to natural objects that can be removed without causing damage to the course, such as leaves, twigs, and stones. However, when it comes to sand, the rules distinguish between different contexts.

Sand on the fairway is considered a part of the course material and is not classified as a loose impediment. It is treated as part of the playing surface and may influence how a golfer plays their next shot. The same applies to sand on the green. On the putting surface, sand is also considered an integral part of the course and is not treated as a loose impediment, meaning it cannot be removed without penalty if it interferes with a player's stroke.

Understanding these classifications is important for players who need to know how to handle various conditions on the course, which directly impacts their gameplay and strategy. Thus, neither sand on the fairway nor sand on the green qualifies as a loose impediment according to the official rules of golf.