Movable Obstructions

Movable Obstructions is a short golf blog post that looks at markers and other man made items found on the course. Golf courses are full of colourful markers. These are in place specifically to mark boundaries and water hazards, etc because otherwise it would be difficult to see them. Some of these markers are classed as movable obstructions and some of them are not to be moved at all. But which markers can I move and which ones am I not allowed to move? The rules of golf class all Red, Yellow & Blue markers as movable obstructions. These can be removed if obstructing your swing or line of play. Please remember to replace them after you are finished with your shot. White stakes (OOB) are not to be moved or touched by a player or their equipment. This includes their caddy, otherwise the player will incur a penalty. Other items under this category include Litter bins, bottles, tin cans, scorecards, tees, bunker rakes and buggies etc. Movable Obstructions The Rules of Golf clearly states that a movable obstruction is… An obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction or the course. If part of an immovable obstruction or integral object meets these two standards, that part is treated as a movable obstruction. But this does not apply if the movable part of an immovable obstruction or integral object is not meant to be moved Even when an obstruction is movable, the Committee may define it to be an immovable obstruction. Relief from Movable Obstruction (1) Removal of Movable Obstruction. Without penalty, a player may remove a movable obstruction anywhere on or off the course and may do so in any way. But there are two exceptions: Exception 1 – Tee-Markers Must Not Be Moved When Ball Will Be Played from Teeing Area Exception 2 – Restrictions on Deliberately Removing Movable Obstruction to Affect a Ball in Motion If a player’s ball moves while they are removing a movable obstruction: There is no penalty, and The ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2). (2) Relief When Ball Is in or on Movable Obstruction Anywhere on Course Except on Putting Green. The player may take free relief by lifting the ball, removing the movable obstruction and dropping the original ball or another ball in this relief area (see Rule 14.3): Reference Point: The estimated point right under where the ball was at rest in or on the movable obstruction. Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: One club-length, but with these limits: Limits on Location of Relief Area: Must be in the same area of the course as the reference point, and Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point. What are your thoughts on Movable Obstructions? Please leave a comment by filling out a Contact Form. To read more of my Golf blog posts, click here.