One of the advantages of being a tour pro in golf is the ability to take advantage of temporary immovable obstructions (TIOs) on the course. These obstructions include grandstands, hospitality tents, and TV towers. Players like Jordan Spieth have been known to strategically use TIOs to their advantage, such as getting relief from a clubhouse or scoreboard to improve their lie on the course.
The rules of golf allow for relief from immovable obstructions on the course, as stated in Rule 16. This includes objects like cart paths, ball washers, and snack bars that interfere with a player’s ball, stance, or swing. Line-of-sight relief is only available with temporary obstructions, not permanent structures. The PGA Tour has a Model Local Rule in place to provide additional relief options for players when dealing with TIOs.
During the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, players like Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler utilized line-of-sight relief from ShotLink towers on the course. This additional relief allows players to move sideways along an equidistant arc to avoid obstructions in their line of sight. While some fans may question the fairness of this relief, players like DeChambeau acknowledge the element of luck involved.
Players sometimes consider shots or lines of play that may involve taking advantage of potential free relief from a messy situation. However, rules officials are tasked with ensuring that players do not abuse the system. In some cases, relief requests are denied, as was the case for DeChambeau at the U.S. Open, where he had to play an awkward shot instead of getting relief from a nearby grandstand.
In other instances, players like Jon Rahm have successfully received relief from TIOs, allowing them to save par or avoid penalty strokes. The ability to take advantage of TIO relief can greatly impact a player’s performance on the course, as seen in various professional tournaments. This advantage is one of the perks of being a tour pro and adds another strategic element to the game.
Overall, TIO relief is a legitimate strategy utilized by tour pros to navigate challenging situations on the golf course. While there may be debates about the fairness of this relief, it is within the rules of golf and allows players to make the most of their opportunities on the course. As fans watch professional tournaments, they can appreciate the skill and strategy involved in using TIOs to their advantage and understand the complexities of the game at the highest level.
