Topic Overview

Rules of Golf Explained (2023): Abnormal Course Conditions

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

Purpose of Rule: Rule 16 covers when and how you may take free relief by playing a ball from a different place, such as when you have interference by an abnormal course condition or a dangerous animal condition.

These conditions are not treated as part of your challenge of playing the course, and you are generally allowed free relief except in a penalty area.

You normally take relief by dropping a ball in a relief area based on the nearest point of complete relief.

This Rule also covers free relief when your ball is embedded in its own pitch mark in the general area.

For full information and a collection of resources about changes to the Rules of Golf for 2023, visit https://www.usga.org/content/usga/hom…

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