The Course > Obstructions
- Definition: Obstruction, Movable Obstruction
- There are 2 types of obstructions. Movable and immovable. Both are artificial objects which can be on or off the golf course. Definition
- A movable obstruction is an object which can be easily removed (e.g., bench, soda can, rake, golf cart, equipment). An immovable obstruction is an object which cannot be can be easily removed (e.g., cart path, sprinker head). Definition
- Objects defining penalty areas and ground under repair are movable obstructions. Objects defining out of bounds (walls, fences, etc.) and tee markers in the teeing area are not obstructions. Boundary Object
- A movable obstruction can be removed from anywhere on or off the course, including bunkers and penalty areas. 15.2a(1)
- Except for a removed flagstick and equipment, a movable obstruction cannot be moved while a ball is in motion. 11.3 and 15.2a Exception 2
- A ball that hits an obstruction is played as it lies, except on the putting green when a ball hits a movable obstruction the stroke is cancelled and replayed. 11.1b
- For a ball that lies on a movable obstruction (e.g., chair, blanket), the obstruction is removed and a ball is dropped within 1 club-length of it's original position. 15.2a(2)
- A player is entitled to free relief (nearest relief plus 1 club-length) from an immovable obstruction when the obstruction is on the course and it interferes with the player's stance, swing, or ball except when the ball lies in a penalty area or when it is clearly unreasonable to play the ball. 15.2a(2) and 16.1a(3)
- A ball that moves while removing a movable obstruction is replaced without penalty. 15.2a(1)
- A player does not get line of sight relief or mental interference from an immovable obstruction. 16.1a(1)
- A ball dropped for relief from an immovable obstruction must land in and come to rest in the relief area (1 club-length). 16.1b
- When a player has interference from an immovable obstruction in a bunker, the player may take free relief in the bunker or back-on-the-line relief (1 penalty stroke) outside the bunker. 16.1c(1) and 16.1c(2)