Relief for an Embedded Ball

16.3 - Embedded Ball 

If the players ball in play is embedded in the general area, the player may be entitled to relief. 

What You Need to Know

1. There is no relief under this rule for a ball that is embedded in a penalty area or bunker.
   •  If a ball is embedded on a putting green, the player may mark the spot of the ball, repair the damage and replace the ball on its original spot
     
     
2. EXCEPTIONS - There are a few instances when relief is not allowed for a ball that is embedded in the general area.
   • When the ball is embedded in sand that is not cut to fairway height. For example, if a ball is embedded in a waste area. 
   • When interference by anything other than the ball being embedded makes the stroke clearly unreasonable. If a players ball is in a bush and they are unable to make a stroke, the player would not get relief for an embedded ball because of where the ball lies in the bush. 
     
     
3. A player's ball is embedded only if;
   • It is in its own pitch mark as a result of the player's previous stroke
   • Part of the ball is below the level of the ground
   • A ball is not considered embedded as a result of someone stepping on it or when the ball is being dropped when taking relief

How to Take Free Relief for an Embedded Ball 

1. Using the point directly behind the ball, the player is allowed a one club-length relief area, not nearer the hole. 
   • The relief area must be in the general area
   • The ball MUST be dropped
   • The player may drop the original ball, or substitute a ball under this Rule.