Is a fence a free drop in golf?
James Williams
Updated on May 10, 2026
In each of these situations, you are entitled to move your ball without incurring any penalty. The one exception where you wouldn't receive relief are fences, walls, or anything that mark the boundary of the golf course.
Is a fence an obstruction in golf?
According to USGA rules, the fence does not count as an obstruction because out of bounds objects cannot be regarded as obstructions. Consequently, the player cannot take relief from the fence with a free drop. She must declare the ball unplayable and take a one-stroke penalty.What is a free drop in golf?
When the player is allowed to pick up his ball from a specific area, such as ground under repair or casual water, and drop it without incurring a penalty stroke.Do you get relief from a retaining wall in golf?
Normally, a player would be granted free relief from an obstruction when the ball lies on or in the obstruction or the obstruction interferes with the player's stance or area of intended swing. However, there are times when a player would be denied relief for interference from a bulkhead.Do you get relief from tree roots in golf?
Is there any free relief, or is it just play it as it lies? Answer: The Rules of Golf stipulate that this is play it as it lies, similar to a ball being up a tree, or on top of a rock. If you don't wish to play it as it lies, then you can take an unplayable, which will cost you a one stroke penalty. .Do You Get Free Relief From a Boundary Fence? - Golf Rules
Do you get relief from a telephone pole in golf?
Money List Winner. Model rule E - 11 is available to clubs if they wish to provide relief from a ball striking overhead power lines. It may be extended to towers and poles, or it may be limited to the cables. It must be compulsory relief if implemented.What is the new drop rule in golf?
A drop in any other manner is a one-stroke penalty. The New Rule: The new rule states that a player's only requirement is that the ball must be at knee height when dropping and must not touch any part of a player's body or equipment before hitting the ground.Is a lost ball a 2 stroke penalty?
Local rule for out of bounds, lost ballIf a player hits a ball out of bounds or loses a ball, the general rules still require the player to return to the spot of the previous stroke and take a one-stroke penalty - a standard stroke-and-distance scenario.