Fence in the way: which side you drop on under Rule 16.1

A fence on the course is an immovable obstruction. Whether you get free relief and where you drop is covered by Rule 16.1.

When you get relief

If the fence interferes with your stance or your swing, you get free relief. If it is only on your line of play between the ball and the green, you get none. Line of play only counts on the putting green.

Where you drop

1. Find the reference point. This is the nearest point of complete relief: the spot closest to your ball, no nearer the hole, where the fence no longer interferes with your stance or swing.
2. The side does not matter. The point can be on the other side of the fence. As a right-hander you often stand between the ball and the fence, so the point across the fence is frequently the nearest one.
3. Drop. Within one club-length of that point, no nearer the hole, from knee height.

If the point is on your side

You cannot choose the side. If the nearest point is on your side, you must use it, even if the fence then blocks your line. Then play the ball as it lies, or take unplayable ball relief for one penalty stroke.

A fence that marks out of bounds gives no free relief. Some clubs also make fences an integral object by Local Rule. It is worth checking the local rules sheet.