Out Of Bounds Rule

[Gary Page]

Hypothetical Scenario that I noticed in a game once.

If you're ball is in play, but a large fence, net or boundary is out of bounds, and isn't a boundary for the course ( the white posts are ) can a free drop be giving?

So pretty much can you stand out of bounds, and hit a shot with the ball laying in bounds?  What is the ruling on a large net, pole that is outwith the course.  I mean you'd just have to hit the shot assuming it wasn't there, however how can you take an unplayable lie anyway, when this object is actually out of bounds.

Probably an easy answer to that.  

[saevel25]

2 minutes ago, Gary Page said:

So pretty much can you stand out of bounds, and hit a shot with the ball laying in bounds?

Yes. 

Quote

A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds. A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying within bounds.

http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!definitions

 

6 minutes ago, Gary Page said:

If you're ball is in play, but a large fence, net or boundary is out of bounds, and isn't a boundary for the course ( the white posts are ) can a free drop be giving?

No, if the immovable obstruction is out of bounds then it is not considered a movable obstruction for the golfer. 

Quote

24-2b/21

 

Interference by Immovable Artificial Object Situated Out of Bounds

Q.An immovable artificial object situated out of bounds interferes with a player's swing. May the player obtain relief as provided in Rule 24-2b?

A.No. Immovable artificial objects off the course are not obstructions (see Definition of "Obstructions"); therefore, the Rules provide no relief without penalty

If the object is a movable obstruction you may move it.

Quote

24-1/3

 

Movable Artificial Object Lying Out of Bounds

Q.A movable artificial object lying out of bounds interferes with a player's stance. May the player remove it?

A.Yes. Rule 24-1 applies.

 

[Missouri Swede]

13 minutes ago, Gary Page said:

I mean you'd just have to hit the shot assuming it wasn't there, however how can you take an unplayable lie anyway, when this object is actually out of bounds.

As long as your ball is on the course and not in a water hazard, you may deem your ball to be unplayable (rule 28). So if the out-of-bounds object is in your way, you may take an unplayable lie (with the 1-stroke penalty).

[Gary Page]

Interesting discussion.  What happens if a white marker post is clearly removed from the ground, and the ball would be in play if this post was present?  visible square hole where it should be.

This was years ago, went back to tee as the post being missing would have it out of bounds.  Just had to assume the greenekeepers had moved this purposely.

[saevel25]

Just now, Gary Page said:

Interesting discussion.  What happens if a white marker post is clearly removed from the ground, and the ball would be in play if this post was present?  visible square hole where it should be.

By Definition Out of Bounds does not need to be marked. 

Quote

"Out of bounds" is beyond the boundaries of the course or any part of the course so marked by the Committee.

 

[Rulesman]

4 hours ago, saevel25 said:

No, if the immovable obstruction is out of bounds then it is not considered a movable obstruction for the golfer. 

If the object is a movable obstruction you may move it.

Pedant alert.

They are not obstructions as defined. They are simply objects. Using the word obstructions leads to confusion.

[Dormie1360]

Pedant alert II.

The rules calls these immovable and movable artificial objects when they are not on the course.