Rule 16: Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions), Dangerous Animal Condition, Embedded Ball

Abnormal course conditions are animal holes, ground under repair, immovable obstructions and temporary water.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Abnormal Course Condition · recall

Interference exists when the ball touches or lies in or on an abnormal course condition.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(1) · applied

A condition that interferes with the area of intended stance or swing gives free relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(1) · applied

Interference on the line of play counts only when the ball is on the putting green.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(1) · applied

The putting green is the one place where a puddle on the line itself gives relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(1) · applied

A condition that only distracts the player is not interference.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(1) · applied

Relief from an abnormal course condition is available anywhere on the course except in a penalty area, where the player's options come from Rule 17 instead.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(2) · recall

Stance interference gives the same free relief as a ball lying in the water.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b · applied

Ball, stance and swing are what count in the general area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(1) · recall

C's puddle is only on the line, and the ball is not on the green. A lies in water, B's stance is in it and D's ball is on the green with water on the line.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(1) · applied

Rule 16.1 relief is not available for a ball in a penalty area; the player's relief is under Rule 17.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(2) · applied

No relief when playing as it lies is clearly unreasonable because of something else, such as the bush.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(3) · applied

Interference created only by a clearly unreasonable club, stance, swing or direction gives no relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(3) · applied

Relief under Rule 16.1 is only from a condition on the course.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(2) · applied

Boundary objects are neither movable nor immovable obstructions, and give no free relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1; Definition of Boundary Object · recall

An animal hole is an abnormal course condition, so free relief is available.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1; Definition of Animal Hole · applied

Holes made by animals that are loose impediments, such as worms or insects, are not animal holes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Animal Hole · applied

The bush, not the path, is the real problem, so only penalty relief remains.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(3) · applied

In a penalty area the choices are penalty relief or playing as it lies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(2) · applied

A's ground under repair is inside a penalty area. B's is in the general area, C is on a cart path and D is in an animal hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1a(2) · applied

The reference point is the nearest point of complete relief in the general area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b · recall

The relief area is one club-length from the reference point.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b · recall

The relief area must be in the general area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b · applied

The relief area gives complete relief from all interference, so a ball still affected is outside it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b; Rule 14.3c · applied

The reference point uses the club, stance, swing and line the player would have used from the original spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Nearest Point of Complete Relief · recall

The relief area must not be nearer the hole than the reference point.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b · applied

Relief is an option; the ball may be played from the path.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b · applied

Reference point, club-length, drop, play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b · applied

Only a ball free of all interference is in the relief area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b; Rule 14.3c · applied

At B both the ball and the stance, to the left of the ball, are off the path. At A the stance is still on it, C is further away and D is on the path.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1b · applied

Free relief for a ball in a bunker uses a reference point and relief area in the bunker.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1c(1) · applied

With no complete relief in the bunker, the point of maximum available relief in the bunker is used.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1c(1) · applied

Back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker from an abnormal course condition costs one penalty stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1c(2) · applied

On the putting green, the ball is placed on the nearest point of complete relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1d · applied

Relief from the green may end in the fringe, as the general area is allowed too.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1d · applied

There is no limit on how far back on the line the ball may be dropped.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1c(2) · recall

The relief area may be in any area of the course except the same bunker.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1c(2) · applied

Free relief stays inside the bunker.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1c(1) · applied

On the green relief is by placing, not dropping.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1d · applied

C is outside the bunker but off the line. A is free relief in the bunker, and B and D are back on the line outside it for one stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1c · applied

Relief is taken using the point where the ball last crossed the edge of the condition.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1e · applied

Without knowledge or virtual certainty, a lost ball means stroke and distance.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1e · applied

Once another ball is put in play this way, the original is no longer in play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1e · applied

A ball in a no play zone must not be played; free relief must be taken.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1f(1) · applied

When a no play zone interferes with stance or swing, the player must take relief or unplayable relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1f(2) · applied

Play is not allowed from a no play zone.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1f · recall

Distraction is not interference, so the ball is played as it lies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1f; Rule 16.1a(1) · applied

Relief from a no play zone is compulsory.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1f(1) · applied

Certainty decides between free relief and stroke and distance.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1e · applied

D's no play zone is well away. A lies in the zone, B's stance is in it and C's swing would go through it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.1f · applied

It exists when a dangerous animal near the ball could cause serious injury if the ball were played as it lies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2a · recall

A venomous snake by the ball is a dangerous animal condition, so free relief is available.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2 · applied

The Rule does not cover other things that could cause harm, such as a cactus.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2a · applied

Bees by the ball count on the green just as anywhere else on the course.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2a · applied

Only an animal that could cause serious physical injury creates the condition.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2a · applied

The examples are venomous snakes, stinging bees, alligators, fire ants and bears.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2a · recall

Here it means the nearest point, not nearer the hole, where the dangerous animal condition does not exist.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b · applied

Relief works as for an abnormal course condition in the general area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(1) · applied

The test is the risk of serious injury, not the presence of an animal.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2a · recall

A cactus (C) can hurt but is not an animal. The snake (A), bees (B) and alligator (D) are dangerous animals.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2a · applied

Outside a penalty area the usual procedure for the ball's area applies, here the bunker one.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(1) · applied

In a penalty area, free relief is taken with the reference point and relief area inside the penalty area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(2) · applied

Rule 17.1d is open as an alternative, at the usual cost of one stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(2) · applied

If the danger affects the spot after penalty relief, further free relief is allowed without more penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(2) · applied

No free relief when playing as it lies is clearly unreasonable for another reason.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(3) · applied

Choosing an odd line just to bring the wasps into play does not earn relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(3) · applied

On the putting green relief is taken under Rule 16.1d, by placing.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(1); Rule 16.1d · applied

The drop must land and stay within the red-staked area itself.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(2) · applied

A second relief from the same danger is free.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(2) · applied

Free relief must stay inside the penalty area, as at A. B and C are outside it and need penalty relief under Rule 17, and D is not an option at all.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.2b(2) · applied

A ball embedded in the general area gets free relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(1) · applied

The Rule covers the whole general area, unless the Committee has limited it by Local Rule.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(1) · applied

Bunker sand is outside the general area, so this relief does not reach it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(1) · applied

On the green the ball may be lifted and cleaned, the impact damage repaired and the ball replaced.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(1); Rule 13.1c(2) · applied

There is no relief for a ball embedded in sand in a part of the general area not cut to fairway height or less.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(1), Exception · applied

With F-2 in force, a plugged ball in longer grass is played as it lies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3b; Model Local Rule F-2 · recall

The bush already makes the ball unplayable, so the plugged lie changes nothing.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(1), Exception · applied

Own pitch-mark plus a lie below ground level is what qualifies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3 · applied

On the green the dent is repaired and the ball goes back.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · applied

A is in its own pitch-mark below ground level in the general area. B is sitting up in grass, C was pushed in by a shoe and D is in sand off the fairway.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a · applied

A ball is embedded only if it is in its own pitch-mark and part of it is below the level of the ground.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(2) · recall

Sitting down in grass is not enough; part of the ball must be below the level of the ground.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(2) · applied

A ball below ground for any reason other than the player's previous stroke is not embedded.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(2) · applied

A ball driven straight into the ground without becoming airborne is not embedded.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(2) · applied

The ball may be treated as embedded if it is reasonable to conclude it is in its own pitch-mark.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(2) · applied

The reference point is the spot in the general area right behind where the ball is embedded.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3b · recall

The relief area must be in the general area and not nearer the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3b · applied

Own pitch-mark, below ground, right area: then relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a · applied

Only the player's own stroke can make a ball embedded.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3a(2) · applied

A is right behind the ball, away from the hole. B is in front, nearer the hole, C a club-length back and D to the side.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.3b · applied

With a reasonable belief that relief may be allowed, the player may mark and lift to check.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · applied

If relief is allowed and taken, there is no penalty for not marking or for cleaning.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · applied

Without relief, not marking costs one stroke and the ball goes back on its spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · applied

A ball lifted to check must not be cleaned unless relief is then taken.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · applied

Lifting without a reasonable belief, other than on the putting green, costs one stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · applied

It covers movable obstructions, abnormal course conditions and embedded balls.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · recall

On the putting green a ball may always be lifted and cleaned.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4; Rule 13.1b · applied

Mark, lift without cleaning, check, then decide.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · applied

Without relief the ball goes back as it was.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · applied

B did not mark the spot and then had to replace the ball. A and C took relief, so marking and cleaning do not matter, and D marked before lifting and replaced it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 16.4 · applied