loose impediment/ imbedded stone

[Sakuraba]

We all recall the famous boulder moved for Tiger, was there a change to the rules or the decisions that covers a much smaller stone? I played on the weekend & one of my fc's had a stone (about the size of my size 13 shoe) just away from his ball which was not in a hazard, would have possibly impacted the toe of his club just after impact with the ball. He easily removed the stone with one hand, it left a visible imprint in the ground where it was. Did he break a rule?

[priorlad]

If a stone is partially embedded and may be picked up with ease, it is a loose impediment. When there is doubt as to whether a stone is solidly embedded or not, it should not be removed. Rule 23 - RCGA Decisions

[AAA]

Actually Decision 23-2

http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/bo...ec23.html#23/2