OB gate non obstruction

[e6rock]

Ok so here was my scenario during a match last week. On the first hole at my home course there is OB lining the entire left side of the hole. I hit my drive left, in bounds, but right next to a fence that is out of bounds to the point where I did not have much of a swing. However, at that point in the fence that was in the way of my swing, there was a closed, but unlocked gate. I was able to open the gate to have somewhat of a swing, hit my shot near the green, and was able to get up and down for a par to win the hole. Did I play this hole legally?

[Asheville]

Ok so here was my scenario during a match last week. On the first hole at my home course there is OB lining the entire left side of the hole. I hit my drive left, in bounds, but right next to a fence that is out of bounds to the point where I did not have much of a swing. However, at that point in the fence that was in the way of my swing, there was a closed, but unlocked gate. I was able to open the gate to have somewhat of a swing, hit my shot near the green, and was able to get up and down for a par to win the hole. Did I play this hole legally?

Here's a Decision to chew on:

27/18 Gate in Boundary Fence

Q. A gate in a boundary fence swings onto the course. Sometimes the gate is open and sometimes it is closed. If the gate is open, may a player close it if it interferes with his swing?

A. A gate in a boundary fence, when closed, is part of the boundary fence, is not an obstruction (see Definition of "Obstructions") and may not be moved. A gate in a boundary fence, if open, is not covered by the Rules. In equity (Rule 1-4 ), a player who finds a gate in a boundary fence open may leave it as he finds it or close it, but he must not move it to any other position.

Related Decisions:

• 13-2/18 Improving Position of Ball by Bending Boundary Fence.

• 24/4 Part of Boundary Fence Within Boundary Line.

[SavvySwede]

I'm pretty sure taking a stance out of bounds is fine as long as the ball is in play.

Edit: I guess I was wrong, didn't think the rules covered something as specific as that. Learn something new everyday.

[Fourputt]

Ok so here was my scenario during a match last week. On the first hole at my home course there is OB lining the entire left side of the hole. I hit my drive left, in bounds, but right next to a fence that is out of bounds to the point where I did not have much of a swing. However, at that point in the fence that was in the way of my swing, there was a closed, but unlocked gate. I was able to open the gate to have somewhat of a swing, hit my shot near the green, and was able to get up and down for a par to win the hole. Did I play this hole legally?

The simple answer is no, you lost the hole as soon as you opened the gate.

[e6rock]

A gate by definition though is a path between two points. In order to physically move it wouldn't I have to dig the gate posts up and movethem to different points on the fence line? What would the ruling be for stroke play if a penalty is called as well?

[Fourputt]

A gate by definition though is a path between two points. In order to physically move it wouldn't I have to dig the gate posts up and movethem to different points on the fence line? What would the ruling be for stroke play if a penalty is called as well?

Two strokes.  Because the gate is part of a fence which delineates out of bounds, the gate is not an obstruction and may not be opened.

[joekelly]

Where did you read that, SavvySwede?  Certainly can place feet in water/sand hazard and play ball not in hazard.  Sounds like you are saying 'cannot have any part of body, when playing shot, not in-bounds'.  Is that correct?

Can my hands extend away from in-bounds body into OB country and me be legal?  If not, then OB extends upwards, not only on ground.  What about the club itself extending into OB, then back again into in-bounds?

[Rulesman]

I'm pretty sure taking a stance out of bounds is fine as long as the ball is in play.

Edit: I guess I was wrong, didn't think the rules covered something as specific as that. Learn something new everyday.

Not sure of your point.

You may certainly stand OOB and play a ball that is in bounds. Even if it means leaning over a fence.

But you can't take relief from the fence (or closed gate) if it interferes with your swing, stand or lie.

[DrvFrShow]

You could however take an unplayable lie.

[Rulesman]

You could however take an unplayable lie.

Indeed. You can always do that but it costs.

[DrvFrShow]

Indeed. You can always do that but it costs.

Yes, but as I have found out, it is sometimes less expensive than the alternative - attempting to be a hero.