Taking free relief?

Question

During a recent round at the local club, I shanked a tee shot with a 6 iron on a 170 yard par 3 into the trees. I found the ball, right next to a tree, so I could not take a swing with my normal stance, or left handed, as another tree impeded my stance. I marked the position with a tee, and measured 2 club lengths away (with driver) and took relief without penalty. Was this legal?

Answer 1

Just like the other answers, it is a unplayable 1 stroke penalty.  However, it the tree is a 'staked' tree, meaning there's a wooden stake holding the tree, a stake is a not movable man-made object, and if it interferes with your stance of swing, you can take a 1 club length relief drop not closer to the hole under the man made object obstruction ruling, just like a cart path.

Answer 2

NO! You basically declared the ball to be unplayable, thus incurring a penalty.  When you take a two club relief from something, it is always a penalty situation. When you get free relief, like from a cart path, you only get one club relief!  Hope this helps!

Answer 3

No. You declared the ball unplayable, which incurs a one stroke penalty.

Answer 4

Wow! Could 'Rob P' be a bigger r****d?!  Anyway,  no you do not get free relief.  You can opt to take an unplayable lie which comes with a one stroke penalty.

Answer 5

If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must, under penalty of one stroke:

    a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or

    b. Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped; or

    c. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.

If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, the player may proceed under Clause a, b or c. If he elects to proceed under Clause b or c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker.

When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift and clean his ball or substitute a ball.

Answer 6

No, you should have taken a one-shot penalty. A free drop is available in GUR.

Answer 7

It's legal, except it would be a penalty because of the unplayable lie.

Answer 8

I'll agree with Googie.....110% on everything he said

Answer 9

Except for the " retarded guy " Mr. P, many gave the proper answer that you put your self in the unplayable  position. You do get relief but only with a penalty stroke and you are allowed a 2 club relief under that ruling . It is a shame that a sight such as this has to contend with unmitigated idiots.