Do you get relief from a staked or young tree?
By The Fairway Labs TeamReviewed
Free relief
Penalty: One stroke
Do you get relief from a staked or young tree?
PenaltyOne stroke· under Rule 16.1f / Rule 19
What to do
- 1Check for a local rule declaring staked/young trees a no-play zone (free relief if so).
- 2If no local rule applies and the stake interferes with your stance or swing, you may get relief from the stake as an immovable obstruction.
- 3Otherwise, play the tree as it lies, or take unplayable-ball relief for one penalty stroke.
Based on the modern Rules of Golf (Rule 16.1f / Rule 19), as published by the USGA and The R&A and effective from the 2019 revision. Local rules can modify some situations — check the scorecard or with the committee when in doubt.
Related rulings
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