Relief for an Embedded Ball
When is a Ball Embedded. (Rule 16.3) When taking relief correctly under this Rule, the player will not be penalized. A ball is embedded when it is below the surface of the ground as a result of your last stroke. This means that if you are dropping a ball and it plugs on the drop, it is not "embedded" according to the Rules, and you would not be entitled to relief. It also means that if it rolls into another depression that was not made by the ball's impact, you are not entitled to free relief. Click HERE to see a video explanation of this Rule.
Ball must be in General Area. (Rule 16.3a) Also, for free relief for an embedded ball, it is only applicable when the ball is embedded in the general area. This does not take into account the height of the grass, so a ball that is embedded in the rough would be entitled to relief*. It does not apply to a ball embedded in a bunker, penalty area or putting green (for a putting green, you would just mark your ball, fix the damage and replace the ball back on that spot). Relief is also not allowed when the ball is clearly unplayable (i.e. dead behind a tree) or in sand that is in a part of the general area that is not cut to fairway height or less.
*Local Rule. Be sure to review your local Rules sheet before taking relief from a ball in the general area that is not in the fairway. Some higher level competitions may restrict only allowing relief for a ball that is embedded in fairway height grass.
Relief for an Embedded Ball. If the ball is embedded and relief is allowed as outlined above, the player may take relief with no penalty.
Reference Point. The reference point is the spot directly behind the embedded ball that is in the general area.
Relief Area. The relief area is any part of the general area that is within one club length of the reference point that is no closer to the hole.
Substituting a Ball. You may either use the original ball (and clean it) or substitute a ball when taking relief under this Rule.