The rules of golf are tricky! Thankfully, we have the guru. Our rules experts know this book inside and out. Have a question? He’s got all the answers.
My ball came to rest in the rough next to the practice area. There are several practice balls that extend beyond the practice area and are therefore located on the course. Some people blocked my path and I fought them off with my club. Am I penalized for hitting the ball wrong or practicing on the course, or are they considered movable objects? —Keith Nately, via email
Keith, and all Rules Guy readers, it’s important to be polite. However, when it comes to golf, “courtesy” and “practice” are two different things.
As long as you are not swinging at these off-range balls for some other reason than moving them out of politeness – such as practice hitting, a full setup and swing, etc. – then there is no culpability in doing so under Rules 5.5a and 15.2.
The balls are movable obstacles and you can move them without penalty.
For more obstacle-related guidance from our gurus, read on…
My ball is in the red penalty area. Playable, but there is a fence between the ball and the green. The fence went out of bounds, my ball didn’t go out of bounds. Can I get relief from immovable obstacles? If so, do I have to drop the ball in the penalty box, or within two club lengths of the nearest relief point? —Gary Alstrom, Charlotte, North Carolina
First, Gary: No, under Rule 17.3 you cannot get a free save from an immovable obstacle if your ball is in the penalty area.
Additionally, since the fence is out of bounds, you still don’t get a free save even if the ball is not in the penalty box. Alas, this makes your follow-up question pointless, although it never hurts to ask!
Want to find the right gear for your bag in 2025? Find a club fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
Have questions about the rules? Ask someone about the rules! Send your questions, confusion and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.
