The ruling in plain English
If an immovable cart path interferes with your ball, intended stance or intended swing and the ball is not in a penalty area, you may take free relief. Find the nearest point of complete relief, then drop within one club-length, in the general area, no nearer the hole, with complete relief from the path.
Check these facts first
An immovable obstruction gives interference when the ball touches or lies on it, or it physically interferes with the intended stance or swing. Free relief is not available under Rule 16.1 when the ball is in a penalty area. For a ball in the general area, relief uses the nearest point of complete relief and a one-club-length relief area in the general area, no nearer the hole.
Your on-course procedure
- 1
Check the course's Local Rules to confirm the path is treated as an immovable obstruction rather than an integral object.
- 2
Confirm the path touches the ball or physically interferes with your intended stance or swing.
- 3
Find the nearest point of complete relief in the general area; it is not automatically the nicest side of the path.
- 4
Measure one club-length from that point and drop in the relief area, no nearer the hole, so the ball comes to rest with complete relief.
Count it correctly
No penalty for valid Rule 16.1 relief; playing from a wrong place brings the general penalty.
The exact outcome depends on the stated facts and format of play. Apply any exception below before recording the penalty.
Know when the answer changes
- There is no free relief from a boundary object or an integral object.
- Relief is denied when the interference exists only through a clearly unreasonable stroke, stance, club or direction of play.
Avoid these wrong turns
- Choosing the most convenient side of the path instead of the nearest point of complete relief.
- Taking free relief when the ball is in a penalty area or the path is an integral object.
Check the official wording
This independent guide is a plain-English aid. The current Rules, Interpretations and any course Local Rules control the ruling.
Would you make the right call?
Answer one situation from this guide, then try the full rules challenge for bragging rights.