Temporary obstructions within a hazard

[BillyBeardie]

One that I came across today, I'm sure there's a simple answer for those that know where to look in the magic book of rules:

Large water hazard with steepish sides, currently about half full of water, has posts with rope set about 2 yards in from the edge of the hazard as a "safety" measure since a couple of months back somebody attempted to retrieve a ball from the bottom of the hazard and slid down the muddy bank into the water.

Ball finishes inside the hazard in a flat damp area, perfectly playable other than the rope preventing a clear swing at the ball. Is the player allowed to move the rope or lay down the posts in order to get a swing at the ball as they would elsewhere on the course?

For the record the player opted to play the ball as it lay with a restricted swing and didn't take up the option of playing two balls and checking later.

This is setting aside the fact that you'd have to be very careless to slide in to begin with and that the rope and posts wouldn't stop anyone who was determined to get to their ball!

 

[rulefan]

Unless the Committee had declared the construction to be an Immovable Obstruction, it seems to fit the definition of a Movable Obstruction therefore it may be moved out of the way.

An obstruction is a movable obstruction if it may be moved without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play and without causing damage.

 

[BillyBeardie]

Many thanks - I see there's nothing that says that doesn't apply in a hazard therefore it must be allowed. Slightly confused it with not getting relief from an immovable obstruction when in a hazard.

 

[Colin L]

Since it is a safety measure, it would be sensible of the Committee to deem it an immovable obstruction to ensure no-one removes it and demonstrates why it is there by falling into the water.