Here we go with another Sue’s Rules from Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame rules official Sue May. This time, the question is about when you get relief if a sprinkler–or other immovable obstruction–is on your line when putting on or off the green.
IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS CLOSE TO PUTTING GREENS:
Again we have the question how does this rule work and can I always use it.
This is a Local Rule so it has to be put into effect by the Committee running the Tournament.
The Model Local Rule is F-5.1
“Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1,
The player has an extra option to take relief when such immovable obstructions are on or close to the putting green and on the line of play:
Ball in General Area: The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b if an immovable obstruction is:
*On the line of play, and is:
*On or within two club-lengths of the putting green, and
*Within two club-lengths of the ball
The Model Local Rule F-5.2 applies but with the following addition to the second paragraph:
“This Local Rule only applies when both the ball and the obstruction are in the part of the general area cut to fairway height or less.”
So make sure you read your rule sheet or notice to competition to see if this MLR is in effect and is it F-5.1 or F-5.2. Makes a difference.
