This rule has two components, movable obstructions and immovable obstructions. The following pages will explain each component and the relief the golfer receives in each situation.

An obstruction is defines as anything artificial and including artificial surfaces, sides of roads and paths, and manufactured ice (ice cubes). Exceptions include: any object defining out of bounds, artificial objects that lie out of bounds, any construction the committee concludes to be an integral part of the golf course.

Movable Obstructions

A movable obstruction is an artificial object that can be moved without unreasonable effort, causing game delays, and causes damage to the golf course.

If the ball does not lie in or on the obstruction the obstruction can be moved. No penalty will occur if the ball moves while removing an obstruction. If the ball does move, it can be replaced.

However if the ball does lie in or on the obstruction, the ball can be lifted while the obstruction is removed. The ball may be dropped as near as possible, no nearer the hole, where the ball in or on the obstruction, this applies through the green, on the green, and in hazards. The golf ball may also be cleaned before the ball is dropped.

While a ball is moving movable obstructions cannot be moved. The only exceptions are attended flagsticks or equipment of other players.

Immovable Obstructions

Interference from an immovable obstruction occurs when the golfer stance or intended area of the swing is interfered. If an immovable object lies on a green and interferes with the intended line of the putt, the golf may seek relief.

A golfer can receive relief without penalty from an immovable obstruction, except when the ball lies inside a water hazard or lateral water hazard. Relief includes:

Through the Green. A golfer finds the place where their swing will not be interfered with by the obstruction no nearer the hole. From this point the golfer can drop within one club length not nearer to the hole than the near point of relief (the spot determined by the first step).

In a Bunker. The exact same procedure must be followed as described above. However, the nearest point of relief must be in the bunker and the ball must be dropped in the bunker.

On the Green. The player may lift and place it at the nearest point of relief which is not in a hazard. The ball may also be placed off the green if that is the nearest point of relief.

A golf ball that has been lost in an immovable obstruction the golfer can take relief explained above if reasonable evidence suggests the ball was lost in the obstruction. Otherwise if no evidence exists then the situation must be treated as a lost ball.