Linda–
RE: TIO
PGA players are entitled to line-of-sight relief. I am told
that this rule is not granted to amateurs. Other than local rules, don’t both
play by USGA Rules?
Thanks,
Lou from Monroe, Louisiana
Dear Lou,
Temporary immovable obstructions (TIO’s) are installed on
the golf course for very special events (generally professional tournaments).
Examples of TIO’s are grandstands, TV towers, portable bathrooms, tents, etc.
These structures are not normally found on the course, and are not part of the
architect’s design, so it would be unfair if players were not granted
line-of-sight relief. Accordingly, Committees may adopt Local Rule #7 [Appendix
I, Part A, #4b] to give players complete relief from artificial structures
erected in conjunction with a competition. This Local Rule is available to all
Committees. It is not limited to professional tournaments. I doubt you will run
into many amateur tournaments with grandstands, TV towers, etc., but if you do,
there will most likely be a Local Rule granting you complete relief (including
line-of-sight relief) from such structures.
I suspect you may be confusing immovable obstructions that
are typically found on a golf course with temporary immovable obstructions
(TIO’s). Benches, water coolers, and hole monuments are examples of immovable
obstructions. There is no line-of-sight relief from immovable obstructions for
any golfer, professional or amateur.
The Rules of Golf are the same for everyone, professional
and amateur alike.
Linda
Copyright © 2016 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
