
Assuming a ball resting against a boundary fence is in bounds, a player cannot strike the ball while it rests against the fence. According to USGA
United States Golf Association
The United States Golf Association is the United States' national association of golf courses, clubs and facilities and the governing body of golf for the U.S. and Mexico. Together with The R&A, the USGA produces and interprets the rules of golf. The USGA also provides a national handicap system f…
Can you hit a golf ball while resting against a fence?
Assuming a ball resting against a boundary fence is in bounds, a player cannot strike the ball while it rests against the fence. According to USGA rules, the fence does not count as an obstruction because out of bounds objects cannot be regarded as obstructions.
What are the rules about boundary fences on a golf course?
Among the more complex areas are the rules concerning boundary fences and how to play shots that incorporate such fences without incurring penalties. Boundary fences serve to distinguish the playing area of the golf course -- in bounds -- and the area that is not in play -- out of bounds.
Does a fence count as an obstruction in golf?
According to USGA rules, the fence does not count as an obstruction because out of bounds objects cannot be regarded as obstructions. Consequently, the player cannot take relief from the fence with a free drop.
What are the rules for dropping a golf ball?
These areas generally include sensitive areas, ground under repair, casual water, and man-made immovable obstructions. The rule is to find the single nearest point of relief without moving closer to the hole, and drop your ball within one club length.

Do I get relief from a fence in golf?
Interference from Boundary Objects I have interference from an out of bounds fence, stake or wall – what are my options? A. You do not get free relief from objects that define or mark the course boundary.
Do you get relief from golf ball up against a tree in golf?
Is there any free relief, or is it just play it as it lies? Answer: The Rules of Golf stipulate that this is play it as it lies, similar to a ball being up a tree, or on top of a rock. If you don't wish to play it as it lies, then you can take an unplayable, which will cost you a one stroke penalty. .
Do you get relief from a man made object in golf?
Your ball lies next to a sprinkler head, an electric box, a 150-yard post or another man-made object typically found on a golf course. What do you do? These objects are considered obstructions (Rule 24), and you're entitled to relief without penalty if your ball, stance or swing is interfered with by an obstruction.
Do you get relief from a retaining wall in golf?
The one exception where you wouldn't receive relief are fences, walls, or anything that mark the boundary of the golf course. The first thing you need to do is to find the nearest location where you are taking complete relief that is not closer to the hole.
Do you get relief from a tree stump in golf?
“If a player's ball is at rest in a portion of the general area cut to fairway height or less and there is interference from exposed tree roots that are in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the tree roots are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.
What is the rule in golf if your ball is stuck in a tree?
When a player's ball lies above the ground, in a bush or a tree for example, the player can take lateral relief by using the point on the ground directly below their ball as their reference point. The player would then be entitled to drop the ball within two club-lengths of that point, no closer to the hole.
Do you get relief from a telephone pole in golf?
Money List Winner. Model rule E - 11 is available to clubs if they wish to provide relief from a ball striking overhead power lines. It may be extended to towers and poles, or it may be limited to the cables. It must be compulsory relief if implemented.
Can you stand out of bounds to hit a golf ball?
The answer is definitely yes. As long as the ball is in bounds, you may stand out-of-bounds to make a stroke and you will not incur any penalty or break any rules if you do this.
What is the immovable object rule in golf?
Immovable obstructions are artificial objects that are on the course for a good reason but aren't meant to interfere with the playing of our game. If an immovable obstruction interferes with your lie, stance and/or swing then you're eligible for free relief.
When can you get a free drop in golf?
Free relief is allowed when the ball is in the general area and there is interference by an abnormal course condition. The nearest point of complete relief should be identified and a ball must be dropped in and come to rest in the relief area.
Is a boundary stake an obstruction in golf?
Boundary objects are not obstructions or integral objects. Objects that are attached to a boundary object, but are not part of that boundary object, are obstructions and a player may be allowed free relief from them.
What is the rule for unplayable lie in golf?
If you find your ball in play, but in a circumstance where you are not able to make a swing or advance the ball, then you are always entitled to claim an unplayable lie. Under this rule, you incur a one-stroke penalty, but are permitted to take relief from your troubling situation.
What happens in golf if the ball lands in a tree?
Key Takeaways. The three options when a golf ball is stuck in a tree are to hit it out of the tree, declare an unplayable ball, or accept a lost ball penalty. Playing it out of the tree is the only option that doesn't carry a penalty, but is the least likely option because it means climbing the tree.
How do you hit a golf ball around a tree?
0:372:17Blair O'Neal Shows How to Curve a Golf Ball Around a Tree - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I bet you want to know how I hit that shot first I set the club head in the direction that I wantMoreSo I bet you want to know how I hit that shot first I set the club head in the direction that I want the ball to start on in this case it's gonna be right of the tree.
What is the root rule in golf?
Where a tree root interferes with the lie of the player's ball or the area of the player's intended swing, relief without penalty may be taken under Rule 25-1(i). That is, the ball may be lifted and dropped within one club-length of, and not nearer to the hole than, the nearest point of relief.
When can you take relief in golf?
If a ball is embedded in the rough, golfers are entitled to relief. If ball is embedded in a bunker, golfers can drop the ball out of the sand (while taking a two-stroke penalty).
What happens if you run out of balls in golf?
If you happen to run out of balls, you can borrow one from any other player, including a practice or X-Out ball (which are generally conforming balls). If you play a wrong ball, you lose the hole in match play or get a two-stroke penalty in stroke play.
Can you use a different ball on putting green?
Generally, you will hole out with the same ball you play from the teeing area. You can always use a new ball when starting a hole. You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand. On the putting green however, when you mark and lift your ball, you must replace that same ball to finish out the hole .
What are the rules for obstructions in golf?
Note: The Rules define “obstructions” as any artificial object or surface, like a road, cart path or curb, unless the object defines out of bounds (e.g., a fence), is part of an immovable object that’s out of bounds or is considered part of the golf course. Obstructions are considered movable if they can be easily moved ...
What rule does a player have to play the ball in a water hazard?
The player must play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 26-1.
What happens if the ball does not lie in the obstruction?
If the ball does not lie in or on the obstruction, the obstruction may be removed. If the ball moves, it must be replaced, and there is no penalty, provided that the movement of the ball is directly attributable to the removal of the obstruction. Otherwise, Rule 18-2a applies. b.
When a ball is in motion, what is the obstruction?
When a ball is in motion, an obstruction that might influence the movement of the ball, other than equipment of any player or the flagstick when attended, removed or held up, must not be moved. (Exerting influence on ball – see Rule 1-2)
What happens if you accidentally move a golf ball?
If he accidentally moves the ball in the process, he must replace it, without penalty. If the ball is in or on the obstruction, the ball can be lifted, the object moved and the ball dropped (through the green or in a hazard) or placed (on the green) as close as possible to the spot directly under its location in or on the object, no nearer the hole.
How does Billy address the ball?
He addresses the ball by standing much farther from it than he normally would, then makes an exaggerated test swing and hits the box with his backswing. Since Billy is making an abnormal effort to cause interference with the obstruction, he’s not allowed to take relief. 24-3.
Is a ball in obstruction not found?
Ball In Obstruction Not Found. It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward an obstruction is in the obstruction. In order to apply this Rule, it must be known or virtually certain that the ball is in the obstruction.
Why is knowing the rules of golf important?
Knowing the rules of golf are important for any player who has aspirations of being a better golfer. The rules, especially in competition, can work to advantage or against your understanding of how to apply the rules is fuzzy.
Where were the woods in the golf course?
The woods were to the left and not near the boundary of the golf course. As you can see, the woods were pretty open, but the fence was perpendicular to the fairway! This was an old fence, but there were no makings suggesting it was a hazard or ground under repair. If you look closely, Jean is pointing at his ball that came to rest on ...
Can you lift a golf ball and drop it?
You. may lift the ball and drop it within one club-length of the nearest point of relief. (see Definition of “Nearest Point of Relief”), but not nearer the hole than the. nearest point of relief (see diagram below). If the ball is on the putting green, it.
Is a fence a sign post?
It is man-made and be classed as a building or a sign post. The exact rule reads as follows: An immovable obstruction is an artificial object on the course that cannot be.
What are the rules of golf?
Rules of Golf – Take Advantage of Free Relief. There are actually quite a few instances in golf where you are entitled to relief without penalty. Generally, this includes areas that are sensitive such as new grass, young trees, flowers, or otherwise, or areas under repair on the golf course.
What is considered a third area in golf?
The third area generally includes man-made objects that are not movable, such as cart paths, trash cans, or fences. In each of these situations, you are entitled to move your ball without incurring any penalty. The one exception where you wouldn’t receive relief are fences, walls, or anything that mark the boundary of the golf course.
What does complete relief mean in golf?
Complete relief means that your stance and your swing are no longer affected by the obstruction. Technically, there is only one nearest point of relief possible. From this point, you are entitled to drop your ball within one club length. If your ball happens to be dirty, you can also clean it before taking this drop.
How did the golfer play the ball as it lied?
In order to play the ball as it lied, he would have had to hit it away from the hole, along the length of the fence, and hope that it popped back toward the rough behind the green. Either way, there is no way he could have hit the ball without his club also hitting the fence.
Can a player play the stroke despite interference from the boundary fence?
It is reasonable for him to play the stroke despite the interference from the boundary fence. If the player takes relief from the obstruction under Rule 24-2b , he will incidentally get relief from the fence.
Is a base part of a fence?
Are the parts of the bases within the boundary of the course obstructions? A. No . Such a base is part of the fence and thus no part of it is an obstruction - see Definition of "Obstructions.". If such bases are at or below ground level, the boundary line is the inside points of the fence posts at ground level.
