Scigolf Presents Excerpts from the Golf Rules Dictionary

The Golf Rules Dictionary by Hadyn Rutter

C4 BALL EMBEDDED

What is it?

the technical term for a plugged ball. The rules vary according to where the ball is embedded

Through the green

Basic Rules

a ball embedded in its own pitch mark, in a closely mown area of the course through the green may be lifted, cleaned and dropped without penalty as near as possible to the original spot but not nearer the hole (R25.2)

there is no relief if embedded elsewhere through the green

the pitch mark may not be repaired until after the stroke has been played as this would be considered improving the area of intended swing or area of drop (R13.2/10)

embedded

deemed embedded even if it spins back into its pitch mark (D25/21)
player may lift ball to determine if it is embedded but must first announce his intention to an opponent/fellow competitor - if not embedded it must be replaced. (D.25.2/7)
it is deemed embedded in the part of the course where it entered the ground - if embedded in the face of a bunker it is deemed in the bunker even though it may be beneath an area which is not bunker. (D 13/4).

pitch mark

to be deemed a pitch mark the ball must have been airborne - mis-hitting the ball and knocking it into the ground does not qualify for this relief (D25.2/6)

closely mown area

includes paths through rough cut to fairway height (D25.2/6)
in thickly cut grass bank or in bunker - no relief (D25.2/5)
does not include the turf face of a bunker (D25.2/5)

dropped

if embedded after redrop when taking a drop it should then be placed. (D25.2/2.5)
if it rolls back into the pitch mark when dropped (R25.2)

On the green

Basic Rule

the ball may be marked lifted and cleaned and the pitch mark repaired wafter which the ball must be replaced.

In a bunker

Basic Rule

the ball must be played as it lies or it may be declared unplayable and relief taken with 1 stroke penalty as per Rule 28.

In a water hazard

Basic Rule

the ball must be played as it lies or relief may be taken with 1 stroke penalty as per Rule 26.1.
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