Obstruction in a Water Hazard
Question: A ball came to rest inside a lateral water hazard close to a warning sign located inside the hazard. So, for a right hander player the ball is playable, but …
a) May they take relief from the sign, without penalty?
b) May they rotate the sign to face in a different direction?
c) May the sign be completely removed before the stroke is made, as it mentally interferes with the player’s swing?
Answer:
a) No. There is no line of play or mental relief from an obstruction.
b) Yes, But it is not necessary, because …..
c) Yes. … Movable obstructions may be removed anywhere on the course.
The sign is an obstruction, because it is an artificial object, Definition of Obstruction. It is obvious that the sign is intended to be easily movable and is therefore a movable obstruction, unless a Local Rule states otherwise. If the sign can be easily moved (and subsequently replaced!) the player may move it, as movable obstructions can be moved from anywhere on the course at any time (Rule 24-1). If it is not easily movable, it is an immovable obstruction, from which there is never relief if both the player's ball and the immovable obstruction lie inside the margin of the water hazard, Rule 24-2.
How to Love the Rules of Golf
Who can fail to take notice of a book titled, ‘How to Love the Rules of Golf?’ Long time US Rules official, Howard J. Meditz, has incorporated his many year of expertise into a book that he thinks will help golfers get more satisfaction from every round, score better under pressure and limit their frustration on the course. An interesting aspect of his book is that not only does it reflect the latest 2016 Rules and the 2017 updates, it also covers the 2019 modernisation proposals. The six chapter titles give a good indication of what you can expect from this publication;
1. How to Embrace the Rules of GolfFor more details on this book click on this link to my Recommended Golf Rules books page and then click again on the cover image for ‘How to Love the Rules of Golf’. This links to the Amazon page for the book and provides an opportunity to check out the opening content and read reviews of Howard's book.
2. How to Get to Know the Rules
3. How to Resolve Your Differences
4. A Significant Rules Proposal for 2019
5. How to Use the Rules for Your Own Selfish Purposes
6. How to Get More Involved with the Rules
Good golfing,
Special Offer! Purchase either of my ‘999 Questions’ eBooks (delivered in both .pdf and Kindle formats) and receive a bonus copy of my ‘999 Tips on Using the Rules of Golf to Your Advantage’. Click here for information on the eBooks and prices in $, £ and €.
The above content is strictly copyright to Barry Rhodes © 2017 and may not be copied without permission.