Relief or not?

[tigger12]

This is a bit convoluted.
Our cart path takes a 90 degree bend to the right then a quick 90 degree left. It follows a red staked hazard line on the right side.
Now, at the first bend there is a worn out area where people drive off the cart path. It is just dirt. It is used as an exit point probably more often than people following the real path.
My question, I am standing on this unofficial cart path is there any relief?
It is about 3 feet from the bend.

I did not take relief but was curious.

[jvincent]

Unless it is marked as ground under repair, no relief.

[LobWedge]

Provided the worn area ties directly into the path, we would normally consider an area like that to be part of the obstruction and give free relief.

In tournament conditions, those areas are painted in such a way as to show this distinctly.

See Decision 33-8/25.

[AAA]

Provided the worn area ties directly into the path, we would normally consider an area like that to be part of the obstruction and give free relief.

Hopefully you don't mean doing in on the fly during a competition but by making a local rule.

[JGT4]

Hopefully you don't mean doing in on the fly during a competition but by making a local rule.

The hard cards of both the Golf Association of Ontario and Golf Canada address the issue. GAO "White lined areas tying into roads or paths have the same status as the roads and paths, that of obstructions. The line itself is part of the obstruction."

In practice, if there is an abundance of such areas they are not white lined but the rules officials are instructed to give relief. The majority of players know enough to ask.

[AAA]

And if there isn't a referee on hand and the group are of the minority?

[JGT4]

And if there isn't a referee on hand and the group are of the minority?

As instructed on the first teeing ground, they may choose to play two balls under 3-3. According to Rule 6-1, it is also the player's responsibility to know that this option is available.