[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Movable Obstruction"

Movable artificial obstacles can be relieved without penalty. Photo by USGA

Golfers need to know the rules regarding movable obstructions.

This is because it can reduce conflicts caused by penalties on the golf course. Movable obstructions are artificial objects that can be moved with reasonable effort and without causing damage to the obstruction or to the course. Natural objects cannot be touched, and the rule applies only to artificial objects that can be removed.

According to Rule 24-1 of the golf rules, "A player is entitled to relief from movable obstructions without penalty." Artificial objects can be removed even in penalty areas or bunkers. Loose impediments such as stones not fixed to the ground, twigs, animal droppings, piles of grass, or turf can be moved. If the ball is inside a plastic bag, the ball can be lifted, the obstruction removed, and then dropped from knee height without penalty.

Sometimes the ball may be resting on a bunker rake on the grass beside the bunker. If the rake is removed and the ball rolls into the bunker, after picking up the ball and dropping it, if it rolls into the bunker again, the ball must be dropped again. If it still rolls in after the re-drop, the ball is replaced at the spot. Distance markers such as penalty stakes, excluding out-of-bounds (OB) stakes, are movable obstructions. You can remove the stakes and take relief or drop without penalty.

A: What are movable obstructions in golf?

B: They are artificial objects that can be moved with reasonable effort such as a water bottle, bunker rake, scorecard, broken tee, trash can.

A: Do I get relief in this case?

B: Yes, you can take relief if the movable obstruction interferes with your lie, stance, or intended area of swing.

Written by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist