Rule 16.1 - Abnormal Course Conditions
These conditions are not treated as part of the challenge of playing the course, and free relief is generally allowed for interference by animal holes, ground under repair, immovable obstructions or temporary water.
Important Definitions
An important part of knowing this rule is understanding the definition of each of these conditions.
Animal Holes - Any hole dug in the ground by an animal, except for holes dug by worms or insects.
- Includes; loose material the animal dug out, any worn down track or trail leading into the hole, and the area of the ground pushed up or altered as a result of digging
Ground Under Repair - Any part of the course the Committee defines to be ground under repair whether marked or not. This includes;
- All ground inside the edge of the defined area, and any growing or attached natural object rooted in the defined area
- Any hole made by the Committee or maintenance staff (except aeration holes)
- Grass cuttings, leaves, and any other materials piled for later removal
Immovable Obstructions - Any obstruction that cannot be moved without unreasonable effort or without damaging the obstruction or the course.
Temporary Water - Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation).
- Cannot be in a penalty area
- Can be seen before or after the player takes a stance (without pressing down excessively)
When Relief is Allowed/ Player's Options
- Meaning of Interference - The player's ball touches or is in the abnormal course condition, or that condition physically interferes with the player's area of intended stance or intended swing
- Relief is not allowed for "mental interference"
- Relief is allowed anywhere on the course, except in penalty areas
- How to Take Relief - The player needs to find the nearest (not the nicest) point of COMPLETE relief.
- The player must drop the ball within one club-length of the nearest point of relief
- The player MUST take complete relief from the condition (sometimes it is better to play the ball as it lies!)
