RULE OF THE WEEK - FREE RELIEF FROM IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTION
Rule 16-Free Relief
In recent weeks, I have mentioned this rule in relation to GUR, embedded ball and temporary water.
It also applies to immovable obstructions.
So, lets start by checking the definition of an immovable obstruction.
Any obstruction (an artificial object that is not an integral part of the course or a boundary) that cannot be moved without unreasonable effort or without damaging the course, and otherwise does not meet the definition of a movable obstruction.
Different courses define immovable obstructions, and GUR, in different ways so it is always important to check the local rules to see what the definitions are at the course you are playing.
To remind you of our definitions, I have copied the local rules on the back of our card for your information.
If your ball is on any of these objects, or they are in the way of either your swing or stance, then you are entitled to a free drop, if you are not in a penalty area! (This last bit is important ...if you are on a concrete bridge, for example, which is in a penalty area, as can happen on our 8th and 9th, you have to use the penalty area rule and take a drop for a penalty.
This issue actually came up in pennants last week and, once again, I emphasise that you really need to check the local rules board at all clubs, as occasionally some courses define things differently to us.
For example, some courses consider a penalty area stake as a movable obstruction, so you can take it out, hit your shot, then replace it. We can't do this at Breakers as the stakes are immovable obstructions, as stated on the back of the card.
Finally, on some courses, an artificial object may be defined as an integral object, (or integral part of the course) meaning that it is part of the challenge of playing the course. In this case, free relief is not allowed! You have to hit from them or take an unplayable lie! Again, here is an example from the local rules of another club, for your information.
Happy golfing,
Jenny
