Depending on the type of obstruction, the golf rules allow different actions. Here’s what to know about movable obstructions.
Golfers frequently encounter obstacles that can interfere with their play. These can include trees, animals, rakes, course markers, and more. According to Rules 15 and 16 of the official R&A golf rules, such obstructions are classified as either movable or immovable. In this article, we explain what movable obstructions are and how to handle them.
What Is a Movable Obstruction in Golf?
A movable obstruction is defined as an artificial object that can be removed without unreasonable effort, delay, or damage. Examples include bunker rakes, paper, bottles, cans, and—unless otherwise stated in a local rule—most course marking stakes. However, out-of-bounds markers, such as white stakes, are not considered obstructions and must not be removed.
Rules for Handling Movable Obstructions
Rule 15 outlines how to deal with these objects. It also covers loose impediments like leaves, branches, stones, droppings, and insects. Players are generally allowed to remove such items without penalty, as they are not considered part of the course’s intended challenge. Loose impediments can be removed anywhere on the course using hands, feet, clubs, or assistance from fellow players (Rule 15.1a). If the ball moves while removing a loose impediment outside the green or teeing area, it must be replaced, and the player incurs a one-stroke penalty (15.1b).
Movable obstructions may also be removed anywhere on or off the course without penalty (15.2a). If the ball moves in the process, there is no penalty. However, two exceptions apply: tee markers must not be moved when teeing off, and movable obstructions must not be removed to influence a moving ball. If the ball was resting in or on the obstruction, it may be dropped within one club-length of the reference point, no closer to the hole.
Special Cases on the Putting Green
Rule 15.3 addresses situations involving a stationary ball on the green. If a player believes another ball might assist or interfere with play—such as potentially stopping a ball near the hole—they may request that the ball be marked and replaced after the stroke. If a ball marker interferes with a putt, it can be repositioned by one or more clubhead lengths (15.3c).
If a stationary ball elsewhere on the course interferes with a player’s stance or line of play, it may be marked but not cleaned, then replaced. If this is done without a request or without marking the ball, the player receives a one-stroke penalty (15.3b).