Originally Posted by jcgolfpro

The rules are CLEAR on this in the decisions:

23-1/2 Large Stone Removable Only with Much Effort

Q. A player’s ball lies in the rough directly behind a loose stone the size of a watermelon. The stone can be removed only with much effort. Is it a loose impediment which may be removed?
A. Yes. Stones of any size (not solidly embedded) are loose impediments and may be removed, provided removal does not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7).
23-1/3 Assistance in Removing Large Loose Impediment

Q. May spectators, caddies, fellow-competitors, etc., assist a player in removing a large loose impediment?
A. Yes

I don't think a Rules Official should be able to move anything but it should fall on the Player or Caddie (or both) to move things. Currently, the rules allow for it and until they change or the PGA TOUR initiates a Condition of the Competition that doesn't allow anyone to help, it will continue to be done.

The fence is a little different as it was an immovable obstruction for this event where it is a MOVEABLE obstruction at most events. It IS the player's responsibility to know the rules at each event but unless he instructed the gallery to move the fence, I am not sure I agree with the penalty. I didn't see it but from reading the accounts, he tested the fence to see if it was fixed (he would have received relief from it) and then the gallery destroyed it.