As a general rule it is possible to take relief - ie to move your ball from an awkward spot without penalty - from anything artificial on a course.

Many footpaths, roads, railings and things like stakes around baby trees are regarded as ‘immovable obstructions’.

This means you may move your ball and drop it - usually within one club length from the nearest place that isn't obstructed.

(This is known as the nearest point of point of relief.)

This does not apply when

• The obstructions is classed as an ‘integral part’ of the course, as above at the 17th at St Andrews - known as the Road Hole
• The road or wall is used to mark out of bounds

If the obstruction is movable, such as a tractor or rake, it may be moved out of the way without penalty.

If the ball moves it must be replaced, without penalty.