Final answer:
Players are not allowed to improve the lie of a ball by moving, breaking, or bending growing vegetation in golf. Doing so results in a penalty.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is against the rules of golf to move, break, or bend growing vegetation in order to change the lie of the ball. The Rules of Golf state that players cannot change the state of the course, including the presence of vegetation, in order to improve the lie or position of their ball. There would be a penalty for doing so.
Depending on the circumstances, there are different penalties for manipulating growing vegetation to improve a ball's lie. Generally speaking, it would be regarded as a violation of Rule 8.1a, which carries a two-stroke general penalty in stroke play. However, as stated in the Rules of Golf, different penalties may apply in certain circumstances.