# Rule 14: Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting, Cleaning; Replacing; Dropping in Relief Area; Wrong Place (The R&A and USGA Rules of Golf)

Golf · Rule 14: Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting, Cleaning; Replacing; Dropping in Relief Area; Wrong Place · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/golf/laws/rule-14-procedures-for-ball-marking-lifting-cleaning-replacing-dropping-in-relief-area-wrong-place/)

Marking, lifting and cleaning the ball, replacing it on its spot and when the lie is altered, dropping in a relief area, when a ball is back in play, correcting mistakes, and playing from a wrong place.

## 14.141 Marking, Lifting, Cleaning and Replacing

Marking the spot, who may lift and when the ball may be cleaned, replacing it, an altered lie, and a ball that will not stay.

### Test 1: Marking the spot before lifting

- 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)
- Lifting a ball that must be replaced without marking its spot costs one penalty stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a)
- The ball-marker must be removed before the stroke; leaving it in place costs one stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a)
- When a ball is lifted to take relief, its spot does not have to be marked. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a)
- 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)
- Marking the spot in a wrong way brings one penalty stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a)
- Lifting includes picking the ball up, rotating it or otherwise deliberately moving it from its spot. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1)
- The marker goes down first and comes up last, before the stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a)
- No marking is needed when the ball is lifted to take relief. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1a)
- 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)

### Test 2: Who may lift, and cleaning the ball

- The ball may be lifted by the player or by anyone the player authorises each time. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1b)
- The caddie may lift the player's ball on the putting green without authorisation. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1b, Exception)
- 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)
- A ball lifted to check for cuts or cracks must not be cleaned. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c; Rule 4.2c)
- A ball lifted to take relief may be cleaned. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c)
- A ball lifted because it interferes with play must not be cleaned. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c; Rule 15.3b)
- Cleaning when not allowed brings one penalty stroke, and a lifted ball must still be replaced. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c)
- Identifying allows just enough cleaning to see the identification mark. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c; Rule 7.3)
- When relief is taken, the lifted ball may be cleaned before it goes back into play. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.1c)
- 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)

### Test 3: Replacing the ball: which ball, who and how

- The original ball must be used when replacing, apart from a few exceptions. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2a)
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))
- Any person who lifted the ball may replace it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2b(1))
- Playing a ball replaced by someone not allowed to do so costs one penalty stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2b(1))
- 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))
- Original ball, by hand, on the spot, then the marker comes away. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2)
- An unrecoverable original may be swapped for another ball. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2a, Exception)
- 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)

### Test 4: Where the ball is replaced and an altered lie

- Against an attached natural object, the spot includes its position against that object. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2c)
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Loose impediments removed as a result of lifting do not need to be replaced. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2c)
- An unknown original lie is estimated, and the ball replaced accordingly. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d)
- The similar lie is searched for close by, within the limits. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(2))
- In sand the original lie is re-created rather than improved. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2d(1))
- 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))

### Test 5: When a replaced ball will not stay on its spot

- If the ball does not stay, the player must try a second time. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e)
- 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)
- 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)
- From the putting green, the spot may be on the green or in the general area. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- Two tries, then the nearest spot where the ball stays at rest. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e)
- The nearest resting spot is subject to the not-nearer-the-hole limit. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.2e)
- 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)

## 14.142 Dropping in a Relief Area

Dropping the right way and in the right place, coming to rest in the relief area, two drops then placing, and a dropped ball stopped on purpose.

### Test 1: Dropping the right way

- 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))
- The ball is let go from the height of the player's knee when standing. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- The ball must fall straight down, without throwing, spinning or rolling it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2))
- The player may use the original ball or another ball each time they drop. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3a)
- Knee height, straight down, then the ball settles. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(2))
- A wrong-way drop is simply repeated correctly. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4))
- 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))

### Test 2: Dropping in the right place

- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- On the line, the landing spot itself defines the relief area. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(3))
- A drop outside the area is redone, even if the ball rolled in. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3b(4))
- 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)

### Test 3: The ball must come to rest in the relief area

- Relief ends only once the ball settles inside the measured area after a proper drop. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(1))
- 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))
- Rolling out after a proper drop simply calls for another drop. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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)
- 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))
- A second drop that stays in the area completes relief. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c)
- An accidental touch after landing changes nothing if the ball stays in the area. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(1))
- 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))

### Test 4: Two drops, then placing

- Two good drops that both escape the area end the dropping; placing follows. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2))
- Two placing attempts on that landing spot come before anything else. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2))
- 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)
- The nearest spot where the ball will stay may be outside the relief area. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2))
- 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)
- The second drop's first contact with the ground marks the placing spot. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2))
- 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)
- Two drops, then placing on the second landing spot. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3c(2))
- 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)
- 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))

### Test 5: A dropped ball stopped on purpose

- 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)
- 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)
- A deliberately stopped drop does not count; the ball is dropped again. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d)
- 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)
- Equipment deliberately positioned to stop the ball makes it a deliberate stop. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.3d)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

## 14.143 Back in Play, Correcting Mistakes, Wrong Place

When a ball is back in play, correcting a mistake before the stroke, playing again from the previous spot, playing from a wrong place, and a serious breach.

### Test 1: When a ball is back in play

- 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)
- 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)
- A replaced ball is in play even if the ball-marker has not yet been removed. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4)
- From the teeing area, a ball is in play again only when it is played. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.4)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

### Test 2: Correcting a mistake before the ball is played

- 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)
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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)
- Caught before the stroke, the mistake costs nothing. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5a)
- The fix keeps both the Rule and the lateral option the player first chose. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.5b(1))
- 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)

### Test 3: Playing again from where the previous stroke was made

- From the teeing area the ball is played from anywhere inside it and may be teed. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6a)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- If not known, the spot of the previous stroke is estimated. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6b)
- In all these situations the original ball or another ball may be used. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6)
- 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)
- On the green the ball is placed, not dropped. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.6c)
- 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)

### Test 4: Playing from a wrong place

- 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)
- 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))
- A ball played from outside the place the Rules require is played from a wrong place. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7a)
- 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)
- In match play the penalty is loss of hole; there is no correction procedure. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7a, Penalty)
- 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)
- 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)
- Not serious: no correction, just the two strokes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(1))
- The wrong-place penalty replaces the one stroke for moving it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 1.3c(4), Exception)
- 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)

### Test 5: Serious breach and playing two balls

- A serious breach is one where the player could have gained a significant advantage. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(1))
- A serious breach must be corrected before starting another hole, or the player is disqualified. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(1))
- When unsure, the player should complete the hole with both balls. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(1))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Two balls, then a report before the card goes in. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b)
- The correcting ball counts, with the general penalty. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 14.7b(3))
- 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)

Sources: Rules of Golf, effective January 2023 (The R&A and USGA), Rule 14 and the Additional Clarifications (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)

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