Sprinklers close to the green

Question regarding sprinklers close to the green:

I saw the following at a professional tournament and was not aware of this rule:

the player's ball was about 3 metres from the green and there was a sprinkler cover between the ball and the green - the shot/swing was not affected by the cover!

However, the player decided to putt and was therefore allowed to put the ball to one side - without penalty. If he had chipped, he would have had to play the ball as it lay.
Was that a local rule or a fixed rule?

Basically, this is a court rule F - 5 and must also be present in a court rule or hard card, otherwise it is not valid:

Yes, it is also true that this course rule would only apply if the player decides to putt the ball and the line of play is reasonable in this respect.

Immovable obstructions close to the green: (sprinklers and other fixed markers):
The player may claim relief under Rule 16.1b if an immovable obstruction is close to the green and on his line of play: The player may claim relief if an immovable obstruction lies on his line of play and is within 2 club lengths of the green and within 2 club strokes of the ball.

This model course rule is amended as follows:
"Relief is granted for a ball in the ground only if both the ball and the immovable obstruction are on a short-mown area."

In the meantime, if you would like to know more about the Rules of Golf, please contact me directly hans.kienesberger@golf.at.