Rule 14 - Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting and Cleaning; Replacing on Spot; Dropping
in Relief Area; Playing from Wrong Place
14.1 Marking, Lifting and Cleaning Ball
14.1c/1 – Player Must Be Careful When Lifted Ball May Not Be Cleaned
When a player is applying any of the four Rules mentioned in Rule 14.1c where cleaning is not allowed, there are acts that the player should avoid because,
despite there being no intention to clean the ball, the act itself may result in the
ball being cleaned.
For example, if a player lifts their ball that has grass or other debris sticking
to it and throws it to their caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) who catches it with a towel, it is likely that some of the grass or other debris
will be removed, meaning the ball has been cleaned. Similarly, if the player places
that ball in their pocket or drops it onto the ground, these acts could result in
some of the grass or other debris being removed from that ball, meaning that it has
been cleaned.
However, if the player takes these actions after lifting a ball that was known to
be clean before it was lifted, the player does not get a penalty because the ball
was not cleaned.
14.2 Replacing Ball on Spot
14.2b(2)/1 Player Drops Ball When Ball Is to Be Replaced
When a player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball when the Rules require them to replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball, the ball has been replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) in a wrong way. If the player replacesReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball in a wrong way, but on the required spot (this includes if the player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) the ball and it comes to rest on the required spot), they get one penalty stroke
if the ball is played without correcting the mistake under Rule 14.5 (Correcting Mistake Made in Substituting, Replacing, Dropping or Placing Ball).
But if the player has droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball and that ball comes to rest somewhere other than on the required spot, they get the
general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. for playing from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) if the ball is played without correcting the mistake.
For example, in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides
in the competition.(...Continued), a player movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot,
and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) their ball during search and is required to replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball without penalty. Instead of replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball on the original or the estimated spot, the player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) the ball on that spot, the ball bounces and comes to rest on another spot, and they play the
ball from there. The player has replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball in a wrong way and has also played from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued). The player gets only two penalty strokes as there has been no intervening event
(see Rule 1.3c(4)).
14.2c/2 – Removal of Loose Impediment from Spot Where Ball to Be Replaced
Exception 1 to Rule 15.1a makes clear that, before replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) a ball, the player must not remove a loose impedimentLoose Impediment: Any unattached natural object such as:(...Continued) that, if moved when the ball was at rest, would have been likely to cause the ball
to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot,
and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued). But there are situations where a loose impedimentLoose Impediment: Any unattached natural object such as:(...Continued) may move either when the ball is being lifted or before it is replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued), and the player is not required to put the loose impedimentLoose Impediment: Any unattached natural object such as:(...Continued) back before or after replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball.
For example:
-
A player marks and lifts their ball in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined
areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing,
(2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the
player is playing.(...Continued) after being requested to do so as it interferes with another player’s play. As a
result of lifting the ball, a loose twig lying against the ball is moved. The player
is not required to put the twig back when the ball is replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued).
-
A player marks and lifts their ball in a bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil
was removed.(...Continued) to see if it is cut. While the ball is lifted, a leaf that had been just behind the
ball-markerBall-Marker: An artificial object when used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a
tee, a coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment.(...Continued) is moved away by the wind. The player is not required to put the leaf back when the
ball is replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued).
14.2c/3 – Ball Must Not Be Pushed into Ground When Replacing It
When replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) a ball, it must be replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) on its original spot. The original spot includes the same vertical position the ball
was in before being lifted or movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot,
and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued). If the ball will not remain at rest when attempting to replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) it, the player must follow the procedure in Rule 14.2e (What to Do If Ball Does Not Stay on Original Spot) rather than push the ball into
the ground.
For example, a player’s ball comes to rest against a movable obstructionMovable Obstruction: An obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction
or the course.(...Continued) on the slope of a bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil
was removed.(...Continued). If the ball movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot,
and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) when removing the obstructionObstruction: Any artificial object except for integral objects and boundary objects.(...Continued), the ball must be replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued). If the ball will not stay at rest on the original spot, the player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball on the nearest spot in the bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil
was removed.(...Continued) where the ball will remain at rest that is not nearer to the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued). If instead, the player pushes the ball into the sand, the player has replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball in a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) (Rule 14.7) and has altered their lieLie: The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object, immovable
obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right next to
it.(...Continued) (Rule 14.2d) and must correct the mistake by lifting the ball (Rule 14.5b(2)), re-creating the original lieLie: The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object, immovable
obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right next to
it.(...Continued) and replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball under Rules 14.2c and 14.2e. (New)
14.2d(2)/1 – Altered Lie Might Be “Nearest Spot with Lie Most Similar”
If a player’s lie is altered when their ball is lifted or movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot,
and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) and must be replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued), the altered lieLie: The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object, immovable
obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right next to
it.(...Continued) might be the nearest spot with a lieLie: The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object, immovable
obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right next to
it.(...Continued) most similar to the player’s original lieLie: The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object, immovable
obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right next to
it.(...Continued), and the player may be required to play the ball from the altered lieLie: The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object, immovable
obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right next to
it.(...Continued).
For example, a player’s ball comes to rest in a divot hole in the fairway. Thinking
it is their ball, another player plays the ball, making the divot hole a little deeper.
If there is no other similar divot hole within one club-lengthClub-Length: The length of the longest club of the 14 (or fewer) clubs the player has during the
round (as allowed by Rule 4.1b(1)), other than a putter.(...Continued), the nearest spot with the lieLie: The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object, immovable
obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right next to
it.(...Continued) most similar to the original lieLie: The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object, immovable
obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right next to
it.(...Continued) would be a spot in the deepened divot hole.
14.2e/1 – Player Must Take Penalty Relief When Spot Where Ball Will Remain at Rest
Is Nearer Hole
When following Rule 14.2e, there is a possibility that the only spot in the same area of the courseAreas of the Course: The five defined areas that make up the course: where the ball will stay at rest when placedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) is nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued). In such circumstances, the player must take penalty relief under an allowed Rule.
The player is not allowed to push the ball into the ground to ensure it stays on a
spot (see Clarification 14.2c/3).
For example, a player’s ball comes to rest on the downslope of a bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil
was removed.(...Continued) against a rake and, in removing the rake, the ball movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot,
and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued). The player attempts to replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball as required, but it does not stay. They then follow the procedure of Rule 14.2e with no success and finds that there are no other spots to try in that bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil
was removed.(...Continued) that are not nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued).
In this case, the player must take unplayable ball relief either by using stroke and distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing
a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) for one penalty stroke (Rule 19.2a) or back-on-the-line relief outside the bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil
was removed.(...Continued) for two penalty strokes (Rule 19.3b).
14.3 Dropping Ball in Relief Area
14.3b(4)/1 – General Penalty Applies Under Rule 14.7a
In relation to the final bullet in Rule 14.3b(4), if a player gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. for making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) without correcting their mistake, the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play.General Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. applies under Rule 14.7a for having played from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued).
For example, when taking back-on-the-line relief, a player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) their ball almost one club-lengthClub-Length: The length of the longest club of the 14 (or fewer) clubs the player has during the
round (as allowed by Rule 4.1b(1)), other than a putter.(...Continued) to the side of the line. The ball is in a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued)Wrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) irrespective of where it comes to rest, even if it comes to rest on the line. The
ball must be droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) again to avoid penalty under Rule 14.7a.
In stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides
in the competition.(...Continued), if the player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued)Stroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) from the wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued)Wrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued), the player would need to correct this mistake if playing from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued)Wrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) was a serious breachSerious Breach: In stroke play, when playing from a wrong place could give the player a significant
advantage compared to the stroke to be made from the right place.(...Continued). (Added April 2023)
14.3c/1 – Relief Area Includes Everything in Relief Area
A player’s relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) includes tall grass, bushes or other growing things in it. If a player’s droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) ball comes to rest in a bad lie in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued), it has still come to rest in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued).
For example, a player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) their ball in the right way and it stays in a bush in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued). The bush is part of the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) and, therefore, the ball is in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the
play of a hole:(...Continued) and the player is not allowed to dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) again under Rule 14.3c.
14.3c/2 – Ball May Be Dropped in No Play Zone
In droppingDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball under a relief Rule, the player may dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball in a no play zoneNo Play Zone: A part of the course where the Committee has prohibited play. A no play zone must
be defined as part of either an abnormal course condition or a penalty area.(...Continued) so long as that no play zoneNo Play Zone: A part of the course where the Committee has prohibited play. A no play zone must
be defined as part of either an abnormal course condition or a penalty area.(...Continued) is part of the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued). However, the player must then take relief under the Rule that applies.
For example, a player may take relief from a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball
comes to rest there.(...Continued) and dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball in a no play zoneNo Play Zone: A part of the course where the Committee has prohibited play. A no play zone must
be defined as part of either an abnormal course condition or a penalty area.(...Continued) in an abnormal course conditionAbnormal Course Condition: Any of these four defined conditions:. But, after the droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) ball comes to rest in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) required by Rule 17 (Penalty Area Relief), the player must take relief under Rule 16.1f.
14.3c(1)/1 – What to Do When Dropped Ball Moves After Coming to Rest Against a Player’s
Foot or Equipment
A player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball in the right way, but the ball is accidentally stopped by the player’s foot
or equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) (such as a teeTee: An object used to raise a ball above the ground to play it from the teeing area. It
must be no longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and conform with the Equipment Rules. that is marking the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued)) and comes to rest in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued). There is no penalty, the player has completed taking relief and must play the ball
as it lies.
If the ball then movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot,
and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) when the player moves their foot or the equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued), the player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball as required by Rule 9.4 but gets no penalty as the ball’s movement was a result of reasonable actions taken
in taking relief under a Rule (see Exception 4 to Rule 9.4 – Accidental Movement Anywhere Except on Putting Green While Applying Rule).
14.3c(2)/1 – Where to Place Ball Dropped in Right Way Twice in Relief Area with a
Bush in It
If a player must complete the droppingDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) procedure by placing a ball using Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e, this might result in the player attempting to place a ball other than on the surface
of the ground because a player's relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) includes grass, bushes or other growing things in it (see Clarification 14.3c/1).
For example, if the player is droppingDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) into a bush in the relief area, and with both dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) the ball comes to rest outside the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued), Rule 14.3c(2) provides that they must place a ball on the spot it first touched the ground after
the second dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued). If the ball first struck the bush when droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) for the second time, the “ground” includes the bush, and the player must attempt
to place the ball where it first struck the bush. But, if the placed ball does not
stay on that spot after two attempts, the player must place the ball on the nearest
spot not nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) where the ball will stay at rest, subject to the limits in Rule 14.2e.
14.4 When Player’s Ball Is Back in Play After Original Ball Was Out of Play
14.4/1 – Placed Ball Is Not in Play Unless There Was Intent to Put It in Play
When a ball is placed or replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) on the ground, it needs to be determined whether it was put down with the intent
of putting it in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the
play of a hole:(...Continued).
For example, the player marksMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued) the ball on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) by placing a coin right behind the ball, lifts the ball and gives it to their caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) to have it cleaned. The caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) then places the ball right behind or right next to the coin (not on the ball’s original
spot) to help the player read the line of playLine of Play: The line where the player intends their ball to go after a stroke, including the area
on that line that is a reasonable distance up above the ground and on either side
of that line.(...Continued) from the other side of the hole. The ball is not in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the
play of a hole:(...Continued) as the caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) did not place the ball with the intention of putting it in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the
play of a hole:(...Continued).
In this case, the ball is not in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the
play of a hole:(...Continued) until it is repositioned with the intention of replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for
it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball as required by Rule 14.2. If the player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at the ball while it is out of play, the player would be playing a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued).
14.4/2 – Test Drops Are Not Allowed
The droppingDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) procedure in Rule 14.3 means that there is an element of uncertainty when taking relief under a Rule. It
is not in the spirit of the game to test how a droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) ball will react.
For example, in taking relief from a cart path (immovable obstructionImmovable Obstruction: Any obstruction that:(...Continued)), a player determines their relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) and realizes that the ball may roll and come to rest in a bush in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued). Knowing that the droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) ball would not be in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the
play of a hole:(...Continued) without intent, the player test dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball in one side of the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) to see if it rolls into the bush.
Since this act is contrary to the spirit of the game, the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. is justified in disqualifying the player under Rule 1.2a (Serious Misconduct).
14.5 Correcting Mistake Made in Substituting, Replacing, Dropping or Placing Ball
14.5b(1)/1 – Player May Change Relief Areas When Dropping Again for Back-On-the-Line
Relief
When a player is required to dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball a second time after using back‑on-the-line relief under Rule 16.1c(2) (Abnormal Course Condition Relief), Rule 17.1d(2) (Penalty Area Relief), or Rule 19.2b or Rule 19.3b (Unplayable Ball Relief), they are required to dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) again under the back-on-the-line relief option in the relevant Rule. But, when droppingDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) for the second time, the player is allowed to change the spot on the line where the
ball is droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) so that the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) is nearer to or farther from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued).
For example, a player’s ball comes to rest in a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball
comes to rest there.(...Continued) and they choose to take back-on-the-line relief. The player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) the ball in the right way, but it rolls out of the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued). When the player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) again under back-on-the-line relief, the player must dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) on the line and may do so nearer or father from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued), and the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) changes based on that spot.
14.5b(1)/2 – Player May Change Areas of the Course in the Relief Area When Dropping
Again
When a player’s relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) is located in more than one area of the courseAreas of the Course: The five defined areas that make up the course: and they are required to dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) again under that relief option, the player may dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) in a different area of the courseAreas of the Course: The five defined areas that make up the course: within the same relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued), but doing so does not change how Rule 14.3c applies.
For example, a player chooses to take unplayable ball relief under Rule 19.2c (Lateral Relief) for a ball in the general area and their relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) is partially in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined
areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing,
(2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the
player is playing.(...Continued) and partially in a bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil
was removed.(...Continued). The player’s dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) first touches the bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil
was removed.(...Continued) in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) and comes to rest in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined
areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing,
(2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the
player is playing.(...Continued) or outside the entire relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued), so the player must dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) again. When doing so, they may dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) the ball in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined
areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing,
(2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the
player is playing.(...Continued) portion of the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued).
14.7 Playing from Wrong Place
14.7b/2 – Ball in Wrong Place If Club Strikes Condition Relief Was Taken from
When a player is taking relief from interference by an abnormal course conditionAbnormal Course Condition: Any of these four defined conditions:, they are required to take relief from all interference from that condition. If the
ball is droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) and comes to rest on a spot where the player has any type of interference from that
condition based on the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) the player would have made from the ball's original position if the condition was
not there, the ball is in a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued).
For example, a player’s ball comes to rest on a cart path and the player decides to
take relief. They estimate the nearest point of complete reliefNearest Point of Complete Relief: The reference point for taking free relief from an abnormal course condition (Rule
16.1), dangerous animal condition (Rule 16.2), wrong green (Rule 13.1f) or no play
zone (Rules 16.1f and 17.1e), or in taking relief under certain Local Rules.(...Continued) using the club that would have been used to play the ball from the cart path. Having
measured the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) from that point, the player dropsDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent
for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball that comes to rest on a spot that the player thought was in the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued). The player then makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), hitting the cart path during the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued). Because the cart path was in the player’s area of intended swing, the player still
had interference. Therefore, they did not properly determine the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) and get the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. for playing from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued).
However, if the player had interference from the condition because, for example they decided to
play in a different direction, with a different club, or their feet slipped when making
the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) and altered the intended swing, the player would not be considered to have played
from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.(...Continued).
