Rare occurrence

[Colin L]

I can see that a stationary ball can be both an outside influence and an obstruction, but am having serious difficulty in accepting that a played ball in motion, can be both an outside influence and a movable obstruction. In that I'm permitted to move a movable obstruction but presumably not permitted to take hold of and move a ball in motion . Or am I?

Some pointers for you.

Outside Influence is an all-embracing term for virtually everything and everybody on a golf course. It excepts, however, the player or their caddie or the player’s partner or opponent or any of their caddies. Movable obstructions are thus outside influences,
A movable obstruction such as a golf trolley might be be stationary one moment and in motion the next. It doesn't stop being a movable obstruction when it's on the move nor being an outside influence.
The Definition of an Outside Influence includes specific reference to a moving ball: Any natural or artificial object or anything else (including another ball in motion), except for natural forces.....

 

[rulefan]

There are many items that can be classified in multiple ways.
eg rakes, ball markers, clubs and balls may be classified under outside influence, movable obstruction and/or equipment depending on the situation.

 

[backwoodsman]

I've always 'got it' that some objects meet more than one definition. But it was the ball-in-motion/movable obstruction thing that was taxing me. However post #19 is the one thatclears it up for me. Thanks all.