GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
Can a cart path blocking only your line of play give free relief?
Usually, no. Under Rule 16.1, line-of-play interference by an immovable obstruction counts only when your ball is on the putting green. If your ball is off the green and the cart path only crosses the route you want to play, that alone does not normally give free relief. Physical interference with your ball, stance or swing is a separate test. A committee can adopt Model Local Rule F-5 for limited line-of-play relief near a green, so check the competition's Local Rules before deciding.
For Golfers deciding whether a cart path or nearby obstruction entitles them to a free drop. · Updated
Physical interference and line of play are different
For a fixed cart path treated as an immovable obstruction, Rule 16.1a generally allows relief when the ball touches or lies in the obstruction, or when it physically interferes with the player's intended stance or swing. A ball off the putting green does not qualify just because the path sits between the ball and the target. Under the ordinary rule, line-of-play interference is included only when the ball is on the putting green.
When free relief is available for a ball in the general area, the player finds the nearest point of complete relief and drops within one club-length of that point, no nearer the hole. The relief area must be in the general area. The player must take complete relief from the qualifying interference.
An adopted F-5 rule can add a narrow option
A committee may adopt Model Local Rule F-5 to allow extra relief when a ball is in the general area and an immovable obstruction is on the line of play, on or within two club-lengths of the putting green, and within two club-lengths of the ball. The player must take complete relief, and there is no relief if the chosen line of play is clearly unreasonable.
F-5 is optional. A committee can limit it to certain holes, obstructions or closely mown areas, and the local version controls. The Rules of Golf do not make this extra option automatic at every course or event.
- Check the event's adopted Local Rules for F-5 and any limits.
- Measure from both the putting green and the ball, and confirm the obstruction lies on the intended line.
Two fictional cart-path lies
In the first case, a golfer's ball is in the general area and the fixed path physically blocks the golfer's stance. That is physical interference, so Rule 16.1 may allow free relief if its other conditions are met. In the second case, the ball is off the green, the golfer can stand and swing without interference, and the path only crosses the chosen line. The ordinary rule gives no relief for that line alone. If the committee adopted F-5 and the ball, path and line meet its narrow conditions, the golfer may have the extra option. The example does not assume F-5 is in force.
Related questions
Does being close to the green by itself qualify?
No. Under Model Local Rule F-5, the ball must be in the general area, the obstruction must be on the line of play and within the stated distances, and the committee must have adopted the rule. The normal Rule 16.1 test still applies unless the adopted F-5 option fits.
Can I choose a line just to get relief?
No. F-5 excludes relief when the chosen line of play is clearly unreasonable. The committee's adopted wording and the actual lie matter.