Understanding Obstruction Rules: What Happens When Your Ball Hits a Decoy Bird?
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To deter waterfowl along the lake shore, many courses deploy decoy birds mounted on slender poles using tensioned cables and wires that appear to “fly”—soaring, dipping, and turning beneath the breeze. Some of these artificial birds may sit directly in the flight path of a tee shot or nearby greens. What is the consequence when a driving ball strikes such a “bird”? Under Rule 11.1—which governs balls landed on a nonexisting hole—the typical remedy is to play the ball as it lies, mirroring the treatment of a moving cart or a stationary post.
You attempt to sequence multiple queries, Bill—but we remain earnestly supportive of the waterfowl at this juncture.
Concerning removal, the determination depends on the installation method and whether the managing authority has classified the element as immovable—or only as temporarily fixed rather than a permanent fixture.
In the absence of explicit direction, if the decoy devices can be relocated with reasonable effort and without harming the course or the “bird,” movement is permissible. Should removal cause undue disruption, the objects are held as immovable obstructions, and their relocation for tactical advantage is prohibited.
Consult Rules 8.1, 15.2, and the Definition of Movable Obstruction for precise criteria. If the course deems the “birds” as temporary immovable obstructions, line‑of‑sight relief permits access; nevertheless, this exemption generally excludes fully erected structures—such as those referenced in Model Local Rule F‑23.
Our Rules Guru departs promptly for a deserved rest.
For additional guidance on obstruction matters, please read on…
Your ball resides in a red penalty area. Though playable, a fence blocks the greenside route. That fence lies outside the boundary, while the ball stays on the green. Must I receive free relief from an immovable obstruction? If so, shall I retrieve the ball solely within the penalty area, or within two club‑lengths of the nearest point of relief? —Gary Ahlstrom, Charlotte, NC
To address the opening scenario, Gary: no, free relief is unavailable for an immovable obstruction when your ball occupies a penalty area, per Rule 17.3.
Furthermore, even absent the penalty‑area condition, the fence—invading out‑of‑bounds space—would not qualify for relief regardless; thus, his follow‑up becomes moot, albeit curiosity is always welcomed.
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