Rules of Golf - Summer is Here!

Summer is here and so are the summer thunderstorms. Golf courses in Florida tend to get wet during the summer and it is common to have balls embed in the ground. As long as your ball isn't in a bunker or penalty area you normally get free relief from an embedded ball. 

Below is a summary of the rule that deals with embedded balls. The term "general area" is important to know when applying this rule. The "general area" is every part of the course within out of bounds except: (1) the teeing area, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole you are playing.

16.3 - Embedded Ball 

If the players ball in play is embedded in the general area, the player may be entitled to relief. 

What You Need to Know

1. There is no relief under this rule for a ball that is embedded in a penalty area, bunker, or loose sand or dirt.
   •  If a ball is embedded on a putting green, the player may mark the spot of the ball, repair the damage and replace the ball on its original spot.
     
     
2. EXCEPTIONS - There are a few instances when relief is not allowed for a ball that is embedded in the general area.
   • When the ball is embedded in sand that is not cut to fairway height. For example, if a ball is embedded in a waste area or sandy dune. 
   • When interference by anything other than the ball being embedded makes the stroke clearly unreasonable. If a player's ball is in a bush and they are unable to make a stroke, the player would not get relief for an embedded ball because of where the ball lies in the bush. 
     
     
3. A player's ball is embedded only if;
   • It is in its own pitch mark as a result of the player's previous stroke,
   • Part of the ball is below the level of the ground,
   • A ball is not considered embedded as a result of someone stepping on it or when the ball is being dropped when taking relief.

How to Take Free Relief for an Embedded Ball 

1. Using the point directly behind the ball, the player is allowed a one club-length relief area, not nearer the hole. 
   • The relief area must be in the general area
   • The ball MUST be dropped from knee height
   • The player may drop the original ball, or substitute a ball under this Rule. 

Please note that the ball does not have to be dropped in the same "condition". For instance, if your ball is embedded in the rough just off the fairway, and your one club-length relief area can get you onto the fairway, it is okay to drop a ball on the fairway.