Stance on Path - not Ball

[Old Skier]

Easy and quick one for the gurus. Providing you have a local rule in place that allows for relief from a ball on the path does that include circumstances when just your stance is on the path and the ball is in the general area?

 

[Colin L]

You don't need a local rule to get relief from an artificial path. It is by Definition an immovable obstruction. See Rule 16.1a(1) to check when relief from an abnormal course condition (which includes an immovable obstruction) is allowed.

In short, yes is your answer. If the obstruction interferes with your intended stance, you can take relief. Your ball does not need to be on it.

 

[jim8flog]

and on a similar vein - if you take relief for a ball on a path you are not allowed to stand on the path after taking relief or determining nearest point of relief.

 

[backwoodsman]

Within the general context, the "local rule" (I presume?) would normally be for the purpose of saying that the path is an integral part of the course - ie that it is not an immovable obstruction and free relief is not available?

 

[jim8flog]

Within the general context, the "local rule" (I presume?) would normally be for the purpose of saying that the path is an integral part of the course - ie that it is not an immovable obstruction and free relief is not available?

Within the general context - if a path does not have an artificial surface there is no automatic relief and the club needs to have a local rule if they wish to give relief.

 

[backwoodsman]

Within the general context - if a path does not have an artificial surface there is no automatic relief and the club needs to have a local rule if they wish to give relief.

Poing taken ...

 

[mikejohnchapman]

Yes - but must take full relief to avoid a penalty (ask Mr McIlroy)