Take Advantage Of The Embedded Ball Rule

Josh Kelley

Josh Kelley

SwingU Instructor

Under Rule 16.3, the player is entitled to free relief from an embedded ball when it occurs within the “general area” of the golf course. The “general area” is defined as every part of the golf course except: (1) the teeing area you must play from in starting the hole you are playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole you are playing.

If you come across a ball that has embedded, whether it be in the fairway or on the lip of a bunker, so long as it is deemed to be within the general area, you’re entitled to a mark and clean the ball and take a free drop one club-length from the ball no closer to the hole. 


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