My ball lies against a fence. The fence is the OB boundary. I can't take my normal stance. What's the ruling?

Question

Do I have to play it as lies? What are my options?

Answer 1

You have to play it as it lies or proceed under the 'unplayable lie' rule where you can take a drop two club-lengths no nearer the hole, or, if it's feasible, as far back as you want keeping the original lie and the hole in a line. Stroke and distance is also an option.

Answer 2

To whoever gave mt_zion_crusader a thumbs-down: I know you don't like his answer, but he's 100% correct. (I don't have enough points yet to give a thumbs-up).

edit: Even though the fence is man-made, because it marks the boundary of out of bounds, it is not considered an obstruction. No relief is allowed.

There can be no local rule to allow a free drop from a fence that is out-of-bounds. (Appendix I, part A of the rules of golf tells what local rules can be established.)

Answer 3

Play it as it lies. That's why some guys keep an opposite handed club in their bag.
However, as mentioned, an unplayable lie is a legal option although I don't know how you'd keep your line next to a fence.

Answer 4

Play it as it lies, unless there is a local rule that states otherwise.

p.s. If the ball is still in play you ARE aloud to stand out of bounds to play your shot if it helps.

Answer 5

Since the fence is man-made, don't you get relief without a penalty? Check the rule book.

Answer 6

In competition, play it as it lies. If playing with buddies, as long as they agree to it, you can pick up the ball and drop in anywhere in arms length from where it originaly was, at a one stroke penalty.

Answer 7

Play it as it lies!

Answer 8

Get out the rake club and play it as it lays, maybe you could use the footwedge.

Answer 9

you SOL....gotta play it how it is...hope you have a buddy that might be able to lean on the fence to move it a little... but its in play.... Hard shot indeed....good luck

Answer 10

as it lies bro..