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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-embedded-ball-free-relief

Your ball plugs in its own pitch mark on the fairway. What relief do you get?

Free relief: drop within one club-length of the spot right behind it.

Start playing free

  1. One penalty stroke, two club-lengths
  2. No relief, play it as it lies
  3. Free drop within one club-length ✔

Why: Rule 16.3b gives free relief for a ball embedded in the general area. You drop within one club-length of the spot right behind the ball, no nearer the hole.

Huh, didn't know that: The general area covers fairway and rough, so this works in the rough too, except in sand that is not cut short.

The dad joke
Why was the golf ball so tired? It had a really deep sleep in its pitch mark.
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References

Answer: Free drop within one club-length. Rule 16.3b gives free relief for a ball embedded in the general area. You drop within one club-length of the spot right behind the ball, no nearer the hole.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 16 Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions, Dangerous Animal Condition, Embedded Ball www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-16
    The spot in the general area right behind where the ball is embedded. Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point : One club-length
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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