[Eltabaco]

Right, a playing partner had an interesting scenario come up a few weeks back that I am hoping you guys will be able to help with.

My course has a few blind driving holes, therefore there are big 6ft+ red and white aiming posts at the top of the crests (I'm sure you know the sort). Anyway, my partner teed off and crushed his drive right at this post which was about 180yds ish away. A few seconds later we hear a "clunk" as the ball proceeded to hit this post and bounce sideways and backwards approx. 75-100 yds.

Obviously this was very unlucky, but what is the ruling? At the time he played the hole out and played the ball as it lay. However, was this correct? I'm since thinking that as the aiming post isn't part of the course (i.e. you're allowed to take it out the ground if it obstructs your swing on an approach shot) it might be possible to re-play the tee shot with no penalty. Is this true?

Thanks in advance for your replies