Rule 14: Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting, Cleaning; Replacing; Dropping in Relief Area; Wrong Place

The spot is marked with a ball-marker, or a club held on the ground, right behind or right next to the ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · recall

Lifting a ball that must be replaced without marking its spot costs one penalty stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · applied

The ball-marker must be removed before the stroke; leaving it in place costs one stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · applied

When a ball is lifted to take relief, its spot does not have to be marked.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · applied

Holding a club on the ground right behind or next to the ball is one of the two ways to mark.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · applied

Marking the spot in a wrong way brings one penalty stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · applied

Lifting includes picking the ball up, rotating it or otherwise deliberately moving it from its spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1 · recall

The marker goes down first and comes up last, before the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · applied

No marking is needed when the ball is lifted to take relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · applied

C's coin lies well away from the ball. A's coin is right behind it, B holds a club right behind it and D's tee is right next to it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a · applied

The ball may be lifted by the player or by anyone the player authorises each time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1b · recall

The caddie may lift the player's ball on the putting green without authorisation.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1b, Exception · applied

A ball lifted to identify it may be cleaned only as much as needed to identify it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c · applied

A ball lifted to check for cuts or cracks must not be cleaned.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c; Rule 4.2c · applied

A ball lifted to take relief may be cleaned.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c · applied

A ball lifted because it interferes with play must not be cleaned.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c; Rule 15.3b · applied

Cleaning when not allowed brings one penalty stroke, and a lifted ball must still be replaced.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c · applied

Identifying allows just enough cleaning to see the identification mark.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c; Rule 7.3 · applied

When relief is taken, the lifted ball may be cleaned before it goes back into play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c · applied

B lifted the ball just to identify it, which allows only enough cleaning to see the mark. A on the green and C and D taking relief may clean.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c · applied

The original ball must be used when replacing, apart from a few exceptions.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2a · recall

Another ball may be used when the original cannot be recovered with reasonable effort and in a few seconds.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2a, Exception · applied

A ball must be set down by hand; playing one replaced in a wrong way on the right spot costs one stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2b(2) · applied

The ball is replaced by the player or by any person who lifted it or caused it to move.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2b(1) · recall

Any person who lifted the ball may replace it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2b(1) · applied

Playing a ball replaced by someone not allowed to do so costs one penalty stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2b(1) · applied

The ball is set down by hand on the spot and let go so that it stays there.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2b(2) · recall

Original ball, by hand, on the spot, then the marker comes away.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2 · applied

An unrecoverable original may be swapped for another ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2a, Exception · applied

B is dropped onto the spot instead of set down by hand. C's caddie lifted it so may replace it, and D's original is lost in the water.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2b · applied

Against an attached natural object, the spot includes its position against that object.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2c · applied

The lie in sand is re-created as closely as possible, leaving a small part of the ball visible if it was covered.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(1) · applied

Off sand, the ball is placed on the nearest spot with the most similar lie, within one club-length, not nearer the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(2) · applied

The spot must be within one club-length, not nearer the hole and in the same area of the course.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(2) · recall

Failing to re-create the sand lie when playing from the right place brings the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(1) · applied

Loose impediments removed as a result of lifting do not need to be replaced.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2c · applied

An unknown original lie is estimated, and the ball replaced accordingly.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d · applied

The similar lie is searched for close by, within the limits.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(2) · applied

In sand the original lie is re-created rather than improved.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(1) · applied

B is a similar lie within one club-length and not nearer the hole. A is the trampled lie, C is nearer the hole and D is beyond a club-length.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(2) · applied

If the ball does not stay, the player must try a second time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e · applied

It is placed on the nearest spot where it will stay at rest, not nearer the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e · applied

For an original spot in a bunker or penalty area, the new spot must be in the same bunker or penalty area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e · applied

From the putting green, the spot may be on the green or in the general area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e · applied

Once replaced and at rest, a ball moved by natural forces in the general area is played from its new spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e; Rule 9.3 · applied

Two tries on the original spot are needed before moving to the nearest spot where it stays.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e · recall

The new spot must not be nearer the hole; playing from there is playing from a wrong place.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e; Rule 14.7a · applied

Two tries, then the nearest spot where the ball stays at rest.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e · applied

The nearest resting spot is subject to the not-nearer-the-hole limit.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e · applied

B is the nearest spot where the ball stays at rest and is not nearer the hole. C is nearer the hole, and D is further away than needed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e · applied

The ball must be dropped by the player alone; neither the caddie nor anyone else may do it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(1) · recall

The ball is let go from the height of the player's knee when standing.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2) · recall

A drop from the wrong height is a drop in a wrong way, so it must be done again correctly.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2); Rule 14.3b(4) · applied

Knee height is measured standing, but the player does not have to be standing when dropping.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2) · applied

The ball must not touch the player's body or equipment before it hits the ground.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2) · applied

The ball must fall straight down, without throwing, spinning or rolling it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2) · applied

The player may use the original ball or another ball each time they drop.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3a · applied

Knee height, straight down, then the ball settles.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2) · applied

A wrong-way drop is simply repeated correctly.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4) · applied

A lets the ball fall straight down from knee height. B is from shoulder height, C throws it sideways and D lands on the player's shoe.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2) · applied

The player may stand inside or outside the relief area; the ball must be dropped in it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(3) · applied

For back-on-the-line relief the ball is dropped on the line itself, and that spot creates the relief area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(3); Clarification 14.3b(4)/1 · applied

A ball dropped outside the relief area was dropped in a wrong way, wherever it comes to rest.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(3); Rule 14.3b(4) · applied

There is no limit on the number of times a wrong-way drop must be repeated.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4) · recall

Played from the relief area after a wrong-way drop: one penalty stroke, not playing from a wrong place.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4) · applied

From outside the area the ball was played from a wrong place, so two strokes in stroke play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4); Clarification 14.3b(4)/1 · applied

A wrong-way drop is not one of the two drops required before a ball must be placed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4) · recall

On the line, the landing spot itself defines the relief area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(3) · applied

A drop outside the area is redone, even if the ball rolled in.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4) · applied

B is dropped beside the line, not on it, even though it is within a club-length. A, C and D are on the line behind where the ball crossed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(3); Clarification 14.3b(4)/1 · applied

Relief ends only once the ball settles inside the measured area after a proper drop.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(1) · recall

Touching a person or equipment after landing does not matter if the ball stops in the area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(1) · applied

Rolling out after a proper drop simply calls for another drop.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2) · applied

An accidental deflection is free, but the ball stopped outside the area, so it is dropped again.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(1); Rule 14.3c(2) · applied

A club-length is the length of the longest club the player has, other than a putter.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Club-Length · recall

Once the ball is at rest in the relief area it is in play; lifting it without a Rule is a one-stroke penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(1); Rule 9.4b · applied

The relief area is never nearer the hole than the reference point, so the ball is outside it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2) · applied

A second drop that stays in the area completes relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c · applied

An accidental touch after landing changes nothing if the ball stays in the area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(1) · applied

A was dropped in the area and stayed there. B was dropped outside it, C rolled out, and D was dropped by the caddie.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(1) · applied

Two good drops that both escape the area end the dropping; placing follows.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2) · applied

Two placing attempts on that landing spot come before anything else.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2) · applied

It goes on the nearest spot where it will stay at rest, within the limits of Rule 14.2e.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2); Rule 14.2e · applied

The nearest spot where the ball will stay may be outside the relief area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2) · recall

Playing a ball that was placed when it had to be dropped brings the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4); Rule 14.3, Penalty · applied

The second drop's first contact with the ground marks the placing spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2) · recall

Any ball may be used each time a ball is dropped or placed under Rule 14.3.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3a · applied

Two drops, then placing on the second landing spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2) · applied

If placing fails twice too, the ball goes to the closest point where it will settle.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2); Rule 14.2e · applied

B marks the second landing. A is the first drop's landing, C where the second ball stopped and D the centre.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2) · applied

A dropped ball deliberately stopped by a player or caddie means a re-drop and the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d · applied

With no reasonable chance of stopping in the area, there is no penalty and it counts as one of the two drops.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d, Exception · applied

A deliberately stopped drop does not count; the ball is dropped again.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d · applied

It means a person deliberately touching the moving ball, or it hitting something deliberately placed to stop it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d · recall

Equipment deliberately positioned to stop the ball makes it a deliberate stop.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d · applied

Improving the relief area before or when dropping is covered by Rule 8.1.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3; Rule 8.1a · applied

The penalty for deliberately stopping a dropped ball stays even after the ball is dropped again.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5c, Exception · applied

The stopped drop does not count, and the player bears the penalty for the caddie's act.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d · applied

With no chance of staying in the area, stopping it is free and it counts as a drop outside.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d, Exception · applied

In A the caddie puts a foot out to stop the ball. B hits the player's foot by accident, C runs into a rake already lying there and D just rolls out.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d · applied

A ball in play that is lifted from the course, or is lost or out of bounds, is no longer in play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · recall

A ball returned to the course with the intent to play it is in play, even if dropped in a wrong place.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · applied

A replaced ball is in play even if the ball-marker has not yet been removed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · applied

From the teeing area, a ball is in play again only when it is played.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · applied

A ball returned to play with that intent is in play even if substituting was not allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · applied

Replacing, dropping or placing a ball with the intent for it to be in play puts it in play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · recall

While held in the hand it has left the course, so it waits outside play until put back.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · applied

Teeing a ball is not enough; the stroke from the tee is what makes it the ball in play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · applied

Lifting takes the ball out of play; dropping it with intent puts a ball back in play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · applied

B was dropped to be played, so it is in play even though it is outside the relief area. A is lifted, C is out of bounds and D is lost.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4 · applied

A mistake in substituting, replacing, dropping or placing may be corrected without penalty before the ball is played.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5a · recall

Spotting it before the stroke means simply lifting the ball and going to the right area for free.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5a · applied

Right Rule, right place, wrong way: the player continues with the same Rule and the same option.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5b(1) · applied

Right Rule but wrong place: the player stays with that Rule but may use any of its options.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5b(2) · applied

A Rule that did not apply was used, so the player may use any Rule that does apply.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5b(3) · applied

A penalty for something done solely in relation to the original ball, such as accidentally moving it, falls away once the wrong drop is corrected.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5c · applied

Placing instead of dropping is a wrong procedure; switching to a drop before the stroke is free.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5a · applied

Caught before the stroke, the mistake costs nothing.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5a · applied

The fix keeps both the Rule and the lateral option the player first chose.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5b(1) · applied

A's ball, dropped outside the relief area, has not been played yet. B, C and D have already been played, so the chance to correct for free has gone.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5a · applied

From the teeing area the ball is played from anywhere inside it and may be teed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6a · applied

From the general area, a penalty area or a bunker, the ball is dropped within one club-length of the previous spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6b · applied

From the putting green the ball is placed on the spot where the previous stroke was made.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6c · applied

A bunker shot replayed under stroke and distance is dropped in that same bunker, anywhere within the relief area but not nearer the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6b · applied

Stroke-and-distance relief, and a stroke that is cancelled, mean playing again from the previous spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6 · recall

If not known, the spot of the previous stroke is estimated.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6b · applied

In all these situations the original ball or another ball may be used.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6 · applied

Stroke and distance from the general area: drop near the previous spot and add one stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6b; Rule 18.2 · applied

On the green the ball is placed, not dropped.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6c · applied

C shows placing by hand. Teeing (A) belongs to the teeing area, and dropping (B, D) to other areas.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6c · applied

The general penalty for playing from a wrong place is loss of hole in match play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7a, Penalty · recall

Without a serious breach the player plays out the hole with that ball and adds two penalty strokes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7a; Rule 14.7b(1) · applied

A ball played from outside the place the Rules require is played from a wrong place.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7a · applied

Failing to replace a moved ball and playing from a wrong place brings only the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 9.4, Penalty; Rule 1.3c(4), Exception · applied

In match play the penalty is loss of hole; there is no correction procedure.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7a, Penalty · applied

Each stroke is made from where the ball comes to rest, unless the Rules require or allow another place.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7a · recall

Placing when the Rule demanded a drop is penalised as if from a wrong place: two strokes in stroke play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3, Penalty · applied

Not serious: no correction, just the two strokes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(1) · applied

The wrong-place penalty replaces the one stroke for moving it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 1.3c(4), Exception · applied

C was dropped nearer the hole than the reference point. A is played as it lies, B is replaced on its spot and D is in the relief area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7a · applied

A serious breach is one where the player could have gained a significant advantage.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(1) · recall

A serious breach must be corrected before starting another hole, or the player is disqualified.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(1) · applied

When unsure, the player should complete the hole with both balls.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(1) · applied

The facts must be reported to the Committee before returning the scorecard, or the player is disqualified.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(2) · applied

With no serious breach, the score with the wrong-place ball counts, with two penalty strokes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(3) · applied

Now the second ball counts, carrying the two-stroke penalty; the first ball's strokes disappear.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(3) · applied

Two for the original wrong place and two for the correcting ball's wrong place make four.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(3) · applied

Two balls, then a report before the card goes in.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b · applied

The correcting ball counts, with the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(3) · applied

B skipped well past the trees towards the green, a significant advantage. A, C and D are close to the right spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b · applied