Relief ?

[Eagle_Hunter]

Hello,

I am somewhat new to the game of golf so I still don't know all the rules.

What do you get relief from? the reason I ask is that my buddy hit a tee shot on a par 3 into a mound of large rocks that was beside the green. Does he get a clubs length from that without a penalty? if he were to try and hit the ball he would either mess up his club or injure his wrists.

What about if you hit a ball right behind a tree? A clubs length with no penalty? etc..

Like I said, I am unsure of the rules.

Thanks in advance.

[AAA]

Simplified. You get relief from artificial objects (see the definition of Immovable Obstructions) but not natural objects like trees or rocks (see the definition of Loose Impediments). You may some times get relief from abnormal situations on the course eg ground under repair ann casual water (see definition of Abnormal Ground Conditions).
Also read Rules 23, 24 and 25.

I assume you have got a Rule book.

[DenisO]

I assume you have got a Rule book.

Your assumption would be wrong

[justsomeguy]

Everyone has access to a rule book:

http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules...and-Decisions/

[Eagle_Hunter]

ahahaha! Your assumption IS wrong, however I will use justsomeguy's link to the rule book.

Thanks for the examples, very much appreciated!

Your assumption would be wrong

[hackzaw]

This reminded me of a very similar circumstance which I wasn't too sure on. At my course, approaching the green, there are very large stones (like landscaping stones), that run across the front of the green half way. The green is separated from these stones by about 3-4 yards of rough. which is level with the top of the stones.

On the fairway side, you could easily leave your approach right up against the face of the stone. Being, man-placed (i.e. not naturally placed), if you were up against these rocks, would you get FREE relief.

The other night, I could have sworn someone in my group took free relief, and referred to it as "Rub of the Green". I've heard that term, but I'm don't really know what it means.

Edit - I just reread AAA's response, and see rocks are considered natural. I guess this situation I've described is sort of like a very short rock wall that you would NOT get relief from.

[AAA]

The other night, I could have sworn someone in my group took free relief, and referred to it as "Rub of the Green". I've heard that term, but I'm don't really know what it means.

Rub of the Green
A "rub of the green" occurs when a ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by any outside agency (see Rule 19-1).

Outside Agency
In match play, an "outside agency" is any agency other than either the player's or opponent'sside, any caddie of either side, any ball played by either side at the hole being played or any equipment of either side.In stroke play, an outside agency is any agency other than the competitor's side, any caddie of the side, any ball played by the side at the hole being played or any equipment of the side.

Edit - I just reread AAA's response, and see rocks are considered natural. I guess this situation I've described is sort of like a very short rock wall that you would NOT get relief from.

If the rocks has been deliberately placed there to form some form of 'feature' or path they could be considered 'artificial' or a 'construction'. There should be a Local Rule posted in the clubhouse, in the pro shop or on the card if that is the case.
You would get relief automatically from a 'short rock wall' as it is an artificial construction. Did you read the defintion?

[Marcos]

What is the rulling at St-Andrews 19th hole with the wall of rocks that is man made? Just curious.Just saw Jimenez bounce one off the wall in order to save a stroke. Was he entitled to a free drop and relief?

[gbower]

I don't know about the 19th hole but on the 17th there is no free relief from the wall or the road. The wall is an out of bounds fence and the road is an integral part of the golf course which means you play what you've got.

[Marcos]

Gerry, you are quick.After a few Guiness,all the holes look the same.LOL