Know Your Rules: The fence on hole 5 – Immovable Obstruction

  • 23 October, 2015
  • Posted by: administrador
  • Category: Pro Tips
8 Comments

hole5a

The rule regarding the fence on the right hand side of the 5th hole was changed a few years ago. It was changed from out of bounds to a lateral water hazard running the entire length of the hole with the intention of:
• Speeding up play (no hitting 3 off the tee)
• Stop confusion of where the ball crossed (after 200m the O.B. changed to a hazard)
• To make it a little easier (always a heart winner)
However, there still seems to be confusion about what happens when your stance or swing is obstructed by the fence. So in ‘Know Your Rules’ this month we will clear things up.

The fence will remain there for the near future as a security measure so the red stakes have been placed against the right hand side of the fence. In local rule number 4, the fence is defined as a water hazard marker which makes it an immovable obstruction. Even if one argues that the stakes are the markers, the fence will be in play and remain an immovable obstruction, so the same rule applies.

So the fence is in the way of your stance or intended swing – what should you do? R&A rule 24-2B says you can lift the ball and drop it, without penalty, within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief. It’s important to remember though, that if the nearest point places you behind a tree or on a bad lie it’s just tough luck. The rule says ‘may take relief’, meaning you always have the option to play it where it lies – besides, there are no trees or bad lies in the middle of the fairway!!

Obsruction impedes swing
The obstruction interferes with intended stance or swing
Drop within 1 club length
Tee placed at the nearest point of relief and drop within 1 club length
Not gauranteed easy next shot
The relief is not guaranteed to give you a great lie or easy shot


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