How To Take Relief From Immovable Obstructions

In the Rules of Golf an obstruction is a movable obstruction if it can be moved without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play and without causing damage.  Otherwise it is an immovable obstruction and the player may seek relief when his ball lies in or on the obstruction, or when the obstruction interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing.  The player must find the “Nearest Point of Relief” and proceed from that point.

In determining the nearest point of relief accurately it is recommended that the player use the club, address position, direction of play and swing (right or left – handed) that he would have used had the obstruction or condition not have been there.  For example, the player has interference from an immovable obstruction and, were it not for the obstruction, he would have used a right – handed stroke with a 7 iron to play the ball from its original position towards the green.  To determine the nearest point of relief accurately, he should use a right – handed stroke with a 7 iron and the direction of play should be towards the the green.

If you have any questions regarding the Rules of Golf please submit them to @new.mikefaygolf and we will get them answered for you.  Here is hoping that you are “Playing By The Rules.”

Frank Guastella, PGA Rules Official Michigan Section PGA
Staff Writer, Mike Fay Golf
If you have a question for Frank here’s where you can contact him.
Email:  [email protected]
To “follow” Frank on Twitter click here
To “like” Frank on Facebook click here