First of all, I finally broke 90 for the first time in 8 years (took a long hiatus) while having two doubles, one triple and one birdie. Overall I have been playing some pretty solid golf with a few WTF moments.

Anyhow, on to the rules question. We were playing Hackberry Creek in Irving yesterday evening and on the 6th hole I sliced my drive next to a home's fence. I had a swing, but not a swing that would allow me to go for the green. While I was trying to figure out how much of a swing I could get without hitting the fence, my playing partner said I could get relief from the fence. I didn't think that I could, but he insisted that if I don't have a swing I could. So I dropped the ball two club lengths and ended up getting a bogey 5. There were no OB stakes fyi. So what's the ruling there?

Not sure what the penalty is, but you're not entitled to free relief.

If you had just declared an unplayable lie and taken 2 club-lengths, that's only a 1-stroke penalty. But after reading all of USGA77's explanations on here, I think the fact that your "intent" was a free drop, things might not be that simple.

[This message has been edited by HouAggie (edited 6/27/2012 11:09a).]

Well that sucks, I think I could have still bogeyed the hole if I hit it as it was. Funny thing is that we were playing skins and I won money on that hole.

You should have played 2 balls from that point if unsure.

no relief from a boundary line. Should have just tried to advance the ball a bit since you stated you had a swing.

Believe me, I would have, but the guy that is playing me for money insisted that I could get relief. So is that a two stroke penalty for moving my ball?

quote:

---

18-2. By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment
a. General
Except as permitted by the Rules, when a player’s ball is in play, if
(i) the player, his partner or either of their caddies:
• lifts or moves the ball,
• touches it purposely (except with a club in the act of addressing
the ball), or
• causes the ball to move, or
(ii) the equipment of the player or his partner causes the ball to move,
the player incurs a penalty of one stroke.

---

This is what I found according to the USGA rules, but it seems strange that I can move my ball and only incur a one stroke penalty.

It's only a one stroke penalty if you move it and then replace it to it's original position. If you play it from a new position, that's when the penalties start compounding.

I've heard that if the boundry is "not part of the integrity OF THE COURSE" then it is a free drop. IE, fence line that is not marked OB or staked or addressed on the scorecard/by the course. Hence it became a manmade obstacle that you get relief from.

Im just sayin that i heard that. That is all, carry on.

I think the problem with that interpretation is that the fence isn't "of the course". It's outside the boundaries of the course.

I think this link covers this exact situation. Looks like a two stroke penalty.

http://lindamillergolf.blogspot.com/2008/03/ask-linda-49-relief-from-ob-wall.html

I played Southwyck a few years ago, and my tee shot ended up near the fence of one of the houses. There was no stakes identifying hazards or OB. I played it as it lies, but struck the fence on my practice backswings and the backswing of my actual shot. The pro at the clubhouse said there was no penalty striking the fence on practice swings or actual swing.

I thought otherwise, but didn't complain.

Thanks Houaggie, sounds like an 87, but next time i'll play two balls.

Congrats on the milestone. Either way, you cleared 90 with plenty of room to spare.

HouAggie's link is an excellent explanation on how this situation is covered, and the applicable Rule. As others have noted, it's a 2 shot penalty.

Congratulations on breaking 90, though. Hope it leads to many more rounds under that number, now that you know you can do it.

I am pretty sure this would be covered as an unplayable lie. Two club lengths with a one stroke penalty is one of your options. You can also go back to the tee box or drop behind where your ball lies staying on the imaginary line between the flag and your ball.