The first thing to clarify is that there is no specific ‘sprinkler head Rule in golf’ as such. Rather, sprinkler heads are classed as immovable obstructions, and it is Rule 16 governing these that clarifies when and how you can take free relief from them.
Immovable obstructions are one of four things classified as abnormal course conditions under the Rules, with the other three being animal holes, ground under repair and temporary water.
An immovable obstruction is defined as one that “cannot be moved without unreasonable effort or without damaging the obstruction or the course, and otherwise does not meet the definition of a movable obstruction…” Conversely, a movable obstruction is defined as “an obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction or the course.”
A sprinkler head is classed as an immovable obstruction
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Definitions aside, the Rules of Golf do not expect you to have to play your ball when there is interference from such an artificial object, which is there to assist with the maintenance of the course and is not part of the challenge of playing the game. But how far does that interference extend for you to be able to get free relief?
This depends on which part of the course the sprinkler head is located in. It will invariably be in the general area (fringe, apron or fairway) but may very occasionally be on a putting green, too – perhaps a vast double green, where it’s the only way to get water to certain parts of the putting surface, or a green that has recently been extended.
Sprinkler head in the general area
Interference exists when your ball touches, or is in or on the sprinkler head, or when the sprinkler head physically interferes with your area of intended stance or swing – e.g., when you would have to stand on it to play your ball or your swing would strike it either on the way back or through. There is no free relief if the ball is merely lying close to the sprinkler head but the only interference is visual rather than physical, so your ball could be lying just a couple of inches away from one but you would not entitled to relief.
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