Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An Obstruction is any artificial object except a Boundary Object or an Integral Object. Examples include artificially surfaced roads and paths, buildings, vehicles, sprinkler heads, drains, player equipment, flagsticks and rakes. An Obstruction is either Movable or Immovable, depending on whether it can be moved reasonably without damage.
How it matters in match play
Obstructions can affect a hole in match play when they interfere with a player’s lie, stance or intended swing. A Movable Obstruction may normally be removed without penalty under Rule 15.2. For an Immovable Obstruction, free relief is generally available under Rule 16.1, subject to the Rule’s limits; the result may change the stroke that wins or halves the hole. The same relief rules apply in stroke play.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Obstruction |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Definitions; Rule 15.2; Rule 16.1 |
| Related concepts | Immovable Obstruction, Movable Obstruction, Boundary Object, Integral Object, Free Relief |
Worked example
Alex’s ball is 140 metres from the hole and a fixed cart path interferes with his stance, so he identifies the nearest point of complete relief and drops within one club-length; Ben then plays, and the hole is settled by their resulting scores.
Rule reference: Definitions; Rule 15.2; Rule 16.1
Sources: www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What counts as an Obstruction in golf?
It is any artificial object except a Boundary Object or an Integral Object. Roads, paths, buildings, vehicles, sprinkler heads, drains, player equipment, flagsticks and rakes are examples in the Rules’ definition.
Can I move an Obstruction without penalty?
Only when it is a Movable Obstruction: Rule 15.2 generally permits removal without penalty, provided the relevant exceptions are respected. An Immovable Obstruction is dealt with through relief under Rule 16.1 instead.
Do I always get free relief from an Immovable Obstruction?
No. Rule 16.1 generally allows free relief when the condition interferes with the ball, stance or intended swing, but relief is subject to conditions such as the ball not being in a penalty area and the interference not arising from a clearly unreasonable choice of stroke.
Is an Obstruction the same as a Boundary Object?
No. Boundary Objects define or show out of bounds and are not Obstructions. Free relief is not allowed from a Boundary Object under the normal Rules.
How does an Obstruction affect match play?
It does not change match-play scoring or the match result directly. It may change where a player may play after lawful removal or relief, which can influence the score for that hole; the example is illustrative rather than a historical result.
Can a Committee classify an object differently?
The Rules distinguish Movable and Immovable Obstructions, and a Committee may define certain artificial objects as Integral Objects or apply relevant Local Rules. Players should check the Terms of the Competition and Local Rule before taking relief.