When Do You Get Relief in Golf: A Complete Guide

AvatarByMatthew Woods Golf Blog

Golf is a game of honor and integrity. When you play golf, you agree to follow the rules of the game. One of the most important rules in golf is the rule on relief. When do you get relief in golf? This is a question that all golfers should know the answer to.

In this article, we will discuss the rules on relief in golf. We will cover when you are entitled to relief, what types of relief you can take, and how to take relief correctly. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of the rule on relief in golf.

When Do You Get Relief In Golf? Condition Relief
When your ball lies in a water hazard You can take relief by dropping your ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point where your ball crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which you drop the ball. You can drop the ball within two club-lengths of the point where your ball crossed the margin of the water hazard, no nearer to the hole
When your ball lies on a cart path You can take relief by dropping your ball within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole. You can drop the ball within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole
When your ball lies in a bunker You can take relief by dropping your ball within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole. You can drop the ball within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole

When Is Relief Available in Golf?

Relief is available in golf when your ball is in a hazard, on the wrong side of a boundary, obstructed by an immovable object, or in an area of casual water.

Hazards

There are two types of hazards in golf: water hazards and bunkers. Water hazards are any area of water that is defined by stakes or lines. Bunkers are areas of sand that are usually found around the green.

If your ball is in a hazard, you are entitled to free relief. This means that you can move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.

Boundaries

The boundaries of a golf course are defined by white stakes or lines. If your ball is on the wrong side of a boundary, you are entitled to free relief. This means that you can move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.

Immovable obstructions

An immovable obstruction is any object that is fixed in place and cannot be moved, such as a tree, a fence, or a building. If your ball is obstructed by an immovable object, you are entitled to free relief. This means that you can move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.

Casual water

Casual water is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not a hazard. If your ball is in casual water, you are entitled to free relief. This means that you can move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.

Relief is available in golf when your ball is in a hazard, on the wrong side of a boundary, obstructed by an immovable object, or in an area of casual water. You are entitled to free relief in these situations, which means that you can move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.

What Types of Relief Are Available?

There are four types of relief available in golf:

  • Free relief
  • Lateral relief
  • Back-on-the-line relief
  • Stray-ball relief

Free relief

Free relief is the most common type of relief. It is available when your ball is in a hazard, on the wrong side of a boundary, obstructed by an immovable object, or in an area of casual water. Free relief allows you to move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.

Lateral relief

Lateral relief is available when your ball is in a bunker or on the wrong side of a water hazard. It allows you to move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole, and on the same side of the bunker or water hazard as your original ball.

Back-on-the-line relief

Back-on-the-line relief is available when your ball is in a water hazard or on the wrong side of a boundary. It allows you to move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole, and on the line of play that your original ball was on.

Stray-ball relief

Stray-ball relief is available when your ball is in the way of another player’s ball. It allows you to move your ball to any spot within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole, and not closer to the hole than the other player’s ball.

There are four types of relief available in golf: free relief, lateral relief, back-on-the-line relief, and stray-ball relief. Each type of relief has its own set of rules and regulations. It is important to understand these rules so that you can take full advantage of the relief that is available to you.

When Do You Get Relief In Golf?

In golf, there are a number of situations in which you may be entitled to relief from an obstruction or an abnormal course condition. These situations are outlined in the Rules of Golf.

Obstructions

An obstruction is anything that is not part of the course and that interferes with your play of the ball. Obstruction can include:

  • Artificial objects such as trees, fences, buildings, and carts
  • Natural objects such as rocks, stumps, and bushes

If your ball is in contact with an obstruction, or if it is within two club-lengths of an obstruction and you cannot reasonably play it without touching the obstruction, you are entitled to relief.

To take relief from an obstruction, you must first identify the nearest point of relief, which is the point on the course that is closest to your ball and is not nearer the hole, that is not in contact with the obstruction and that is not on a penalty area. You may then play your ball from that point, without penalty.

Abnormal Course Conditions

An abnormal course condition is a temporary condition on the course that makes playing the ball difficult or impossible. Abnormal course conditions can include:

  • Water hazards
  • Ground under repair
  • Immovable obstructions
  • Unplayable lies

If your ball is in an abnormal course condition, you are entitled to relief. To take relief from an abnormal course condition, you must first identify the nearest point of relief, which is the point on the course that is closest to your ball and is not nearer the hole, that is not in a penalty area and that is not in the condition that makes playing the ball difficult or impossible. You may then play your ball from that point, without penalty.

Penalty Areas

A penalty area is an area of the course that is marked by red or yellow stakes or lines. There are two types of penalty areas:

  • Water hazards
  • Lateral water hazards

If your ball lands in a penalty area, you must take a penalty stroke and then drop your ball in the penalty area, within two club-lengths of the nearest point of entry, not nearer the hole.

Relief is an important part of the game of golf. By understanding the rules regarding obstructions, abnormal course conditions, and penalty areas, you can avoid penalties and play the game more efficiently.

When Do You Get Relief in Golf?

  • Q: When do I get relief from an embedded ball in my own fairway?
  • A: You are entitled to free relief if your ball is embedded in your own fairway, as long as it is not in a hazard or on the putting green. To take relief, you must first mark the spot where your ball lies. Then, you must drop a ball within two club-lengths of the original spot, but not nearer the hole.
  • Q: When do I get relief from an unplayable lie?
  • A: You are entitled to free relief from an unplayable lie if your ball is in a hazard, on the putting green, or in a place where it is impossible or impractical to play the ball as it lies. To take relief, you must first declare your ball unplayable. Then, you must drop a ball within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, but not nearer the hole.
  • Q: When do I get relief from a ball moved by an outside agency?
  • A: You are entitled to free relief if your ball is moved by an outside agency, such as a spectator, animal, or natural force. To take relief, you must first replace your ball to its original position. If this is not possible, you must drop a ball within two club-lengths of the original spot, but not nearer the hole.
  • Q: When do I get relief from ground under repair?
  • A: You are entitled to free relief if your ball lies in ground under repair. To take relief, you must first mark the spot where your ball lies. Then, you must drop a ball within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.
  • Q: When do I get relief from a water hazard?
  • A: You are entitled to free relief from a water hazard if your ball lies in the hazard or if it is in a position where it is impossible or impractical to play the ball from the hazard. To take relief, you must first drop a ball behind the hazard, keeping the point where your ball entered the hazard directly between you and the hole.
  • Q: When do I get relief from a lateral water hazard?
  • A: You are entitled to free relief from a lateral water hazard if your ball lies in the hazard or if it is in a position where it is impossible or impractical to play the ball from the hazard. To take relief, you must first drop a ball two club-lengths from the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.
  • Q: When do I get relief from a bunker?
  • A: You are entitled to free relief from a bunker if your ball lies in the bunker. To take relief, you must first mark the spot where your ball lies. Then, you must drop a ball within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.

    there are a few key instances when you are entitled to relief in golf.

First, if your ball comes to rest in an embedded lie, you are allowed to lift and clean your ball without penalty and place it within one club-length of where it originally lay, no closer to the hole.

Second, if your ball is in a water hazard, you have two options: you can either take a drop from the nearest point of relief, or you can play your ball as it lies. If you choose to take a drop, you must drop your ball within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole.

Third, if your ball is on the wrong side of a cart path or other obstruction, you are allowed to take relief by dropping your ball within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole.

Finally, if your ball is in an area of ground under repair, you are allowed to take relief by dropping your ball within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole.

It is important to note that you are not entitled to relief if your ball comes to rest in a casual water hazard, on a man-made object, or in a temporary water hazard.

By understanding the rules of relief in golf, you can avoid costly penalties and improve your score.

Author Profile

Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.

My journey with golf is a story of passion, perseverance, and a little twist of fate. Growing up in the picturesque town of Charleston, South Carolina, I found myself captivated by golf, a fascination that was partly kindled by sharing a last name with the legendary Tiger Woods.

This platform is more than just a website; it’s a culmination of my life’s experiences in golf. Here, I share in-depth analyses of PGA championships, personal anecdotes from my golfing journey, and tips for golfers at all levels. My aim? To make golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from eager beginners to seasoned players.

GolfPGAChampionship.com is a testament to my belief that golf is not just a sport, but a journey filled with learning, challenges, and personal growth. I invite you to join me in this journey, to explore the beautiful game of golf through my eyes and experiences.

Welcome to GolfPGAChampionship.com – let’s make every swing count!