During the pandemic, we are not allowed to touch or remove any artificial object on the golf course. Sometimes those obstructions will interfere with the stance or position of the ball.
Here are the different Rules related to those objects:
As a General Rule, we are never allowed to remove any object that is immovable. If we do, the penalty is 2 strokes, but if an object is usually a movable obstruction we must look at any local rules in effect.
Flagstick
We can’t remove the flagstick, but because it is usually movable, a breach of the rule will be under the code of conduct list of penalties starting by a warning.
Out of Bounds white stakes
These are always immovable. If we remove a white stake and we make a stroke, the penalty will be 2 strokes.
Red and yellow stakes
Same as the flagstick, these stakes are movable but because of Covid-19, they are deemed immovable, and the Code of Conduct will be used in case of a breach. But it is possible to obtain a relief if the stake is interfering with the position of the ball, our stance or with the stroke we intend to make:
· We must find the nearest point of complete relief. This is the point where we do not have interference anymore from the stakes.
· From that point we drop a ball within one club length.
It is important to know, that we must stay in the same area. If the ball lies in the penalty area; the relief area must be in the penalty area.
Natural objects (loose impediment)
We are always allowed to move a loose impediment as long as the ball does not move because of the removal. The breach would bring a penalty of one stroke and the ball must be replaced.
Other objects (ropes, small signs, etc)
If you are close to the green, some of those objects may be on your line of play but they are not close enough to interfere with the next stroke. It is possible, by local rule, to give relief for the line of play.
Distance stakes
Some courses have white stakes in the middle of the fairway, as a 150 yards marker. Also, by local rule we may obtain a relief for the line of play.
Penalties in a competition
Under the Rules of Golf, anytime we make a stroke after removing a fixed object, we have a penalty of 2 strokes. But the Committee must always explain clearly when the Rules of golf are in effect and when it is the Code of Conduct.