Free relief and embedded balls
The R&A / USGA · 2023Abnormal conditions, dangerous animals and a ball embedded in its own pitch-mark.
Abnormal course conditions
Animal holes, ground under repair, immovable obstructions and temporary water can justify free relief when they interfere with the ball, intended stance or swing; line-of-play interference qualifies when the ball is on the green. In the general area, drop within 1 club-length of the nearest point of complete relief, not nearer the hole and entirely clear. This relief is unavailable in penalty areas or when playing is clearly unreasonable for an unrelated reason.
Bunkers, greens and embedded balls
Free bunker relief stays in the bunker; back-on-the-line relief outside costs 1 penalty stroke. On the green, place at the nearest complete relief point, on the green or general area. An embedded ball in its own pitch-mark in the general area normally permits relief within 1 club-length behind it, not nearer the hole; sand outside closely mown areas is excluded. Dangerous-animal relief has separate provisions, including free relief inside a penalty area. A no-play zone must be avoided.
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