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Environmentally Sensitive Areas are portions of the golf course where play is prohibited to protect the surrounding environment — native vegetation, wildlife habitat, and ecological preserves. These areas carry a harder restriction than most abnormal course conditions.

Encountering bridges (immovable obstructions) through penalty areas and artificial walls and pilings (bulkheads) is a common occurrence in Florida.

New in 2025, the Palm Beach Golf Association has added Model Local Rule F-5.1 Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Greens to it’s HARD CARD for all PBCGA Competitions.

To begin learning the Rules of Golf, it is recommended to start by thoroughly reading and studying the definitions provided in the Rules of Golf book. Gaining an understanding of the “Language of the Game” and the specific meanings of common words used in the rules, such as “bunker,” “equipment,” “embedded,” “animal,” and “moved,” is crucial.

Rule 16 covers when and how you may take free relief by playing a ball from a different place, such as when you have interference by an abnormal course condition or a dangerous animal condition.