Rules Refresher – Relief From Movable Obstruction

his month, we’re looking at what to do if you find your ball resting against a movable obstruction, or a movable obstruction interferes with your stroke or stance. Rule 15.2a addresses the free relief that is allowed from artificial objects that meet the definition of a movable obstruction (one that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction or the course) and, specifically, what to do if your ball moves when removing the obstruction.

The relief available to you is different for immovable obstructions (Rule 16.1), and it’s worth reiterating that there is no free relief from boundary objects (e.g. fences or walls) or integral objects – perhaps a road that has been deemed part of the challenge of playing a particular course, as is sometimes the case.

You may remove movable obstructions (such as the rake in this diagram) in any way you wish, although you may not move the tee markers when playing from the teeing area of the hole

Tyou are about to play, and you may not deliberately remove any movable obstruction to affect where any ball in motion might come to rest. However, in the latter exception, you are allowed to move a removed flagstick, a ball at rest on the putting green or any other players’ equipment (except a ball at rest anywhere except the putting green or a ball marker anywhere on the course).

If your ball moves when removing a movable obstruction, as in this diagram, there is no penalty and you must replace it on its original spot, estimating it to the best of your ability if you can’t be certain of its exact position. Although you are not required to do so, it is good practice to mark the position of the ball with a tee or ball-marker before attempting to move the obstruction.

If the ball won’t remain at rest (e.g. because of a slope), you must try replacing it a second time. If it still won’t stay at rest, you must then place it on the nearest spot not nearer the hole where it will stay at rest. If your ball was in the general area, this spot must also be in the general area; if it was in a bunker or

“It is good practice to mark the position of the ball before attempting to move the obstruction”

penalty area, the nearest spot must be in the same bunker or penalty area; and if it was on the putting green, the nearest spot can be either on the putting green or in the general area (for example, on the fringe or apron).

In next month’s issue, we will be turning our attention to what you must do when your ball has come to rest in or on a movable obstruction rather than just resting against it, as the relief process is different.