obstruction.

Question
QUESTION: My TEE ball finished rolling between the cart path and a tree. Since I am a right hander the tree was in my awing plane. I could take a one stroke penalty and continue up the fairway OR
Could I stand on the cart pth to chip it backwards and then since I was on the cart path take relief which would give me clearance from the tree at no penalty and continue toward the green.


ANSWER: Hello Geroge:

Thanks for asking this question.

Rule 24: Obstructions.

Since you are standing on the cart path, you can find the nearest point not nearer the hole where you can play without interference with your swing or stance.  Drop the ball within one club-length of that point.  There is no penalty.

Thanks.

Dan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you. As you may have  realized I have had a problem doing this as my opponents think I am cheating because I stood on the cart path to hit backwards and took a drop because I was on the path then, after the drop I continued towards the green without a penalty. Can you please verify again.

Answer
I didn't understand the situation fully.

There is an exception to the rule 24-2.  A player may not take a relief under this Rule if (b) interference by an immovable obstruction would occur only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

In your case, your trying to hit ball backward would be an "unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing".  I think I agree with your friend.  

This would be my best possible interpretation.

Thanks.