Immovable Obstruction

Question
During a recent match a debate arouse about a ruling.  Your help would be appreciated.  On my 2nd shot on a par 4 I caught a flier from the rough and found myself about 20 yards over the back of the green.  There was Out of Bounds behind the green and I was in bounds by about 6 inches.  However, just a few inches out of bounds was a picket fence which was impeding my ability to make a back swing.  I requested relief from the rest of my group under the Immovable Obstruction rule.  They denied me stating that I couldn't take relief from the obstruction because it was out of bounds.  What should the ruling be?  Thanks, Vince.

Answer
Hi Vince:  Your friends are right; you don't get relief from any obstruction unless it is within the course boundaries.  You'll find the answer at the USGA site and here's the link:  http://www.usga.org/bookrule.aspx?id=14253#Obstructions

Fairways and Greens,

John
www.golfnutts.com