One of the basic principles of the Rules of Golf is to play the ball as it lies. As golfers, we all know that there are instances during a round where exceptions to this principle are allowed. These include when the Rules allow us to mark and lift our ball (putting green), when it’s impossible to play it as it lies (at the bottom of a pond), or when we choose not to try to play the ball as it lies (under a large bush). When these occur, the Rules provide guidance on how to return a ball into play so that we can continue the hole.
The key aspect of this guidance is to inform the player of the proper method to return a ball into play by either replacing or dropping. If you’re unsure of which method to use, remember that you replace a ball “on a spot” and you drop a ball “into a relief area.”
Replacing a ball on a spot is one of the most utilized rules during a round of golf because it occurs every time you mark and lift your ball from the putting green. Each replacement of the ball is “on the spot” it was lifted from and must be on that exact spot to avoid a penalty. Other instances where you must replace your ball on the spot include non-penalty situations like; lifting your ball to identify it (be sure to mark it before lifting) or because it interferes with another player's ball, replacing your ball when it moves as a result of you removing a moveable obstruction (your ball is resting against a bunker rake), an outside influence picks up your ball at rest and moves it from its original spot, and accidental movement of your ball by you or anyone else during a search (if unsure of the exact location, use your best estimate to replace it on the spot).
Several penalty situations also require your ball to be replaced on the spot including accidental movement of your ball anywhere on the course other than on the putting green (this includes while addressing your ball or during a practice swing), removal of a loose impediment causing your ball to move, or accidental movement of your ball while not searching.
Should any of these occur, be sure to replace your ball on the spot and add one penalty stroke to your score.
When replacing a ball on the spot, the Rules require that to be done by only the player or the person who lifted the ball or caused it to move. Finally, with rare exception, when replacing a ball on the spot, the original ball must be used.
Dropping a ball into a relief area is the other option for returning a ball into play. In this case, the player may use the original ball or another ball each time they drop (this comes in handy when your original ball is at the bottom of the pond). We all know that dropping now occurs from knee height, the ball must be dropped by the player and that the dropped ball must strike the ground and come to rest in the relief area to be a correct drop.
Non-penalty situations requiring a player to drop the ball into a relief area include taking relief from a cart path, ground under repair, temporary water (commonly referred to as abnormal course conditions), no play zones (flower beds) and when your ball is embedded in the general area. The Rules carefully prescribe the location of the relief area in which the ball must be dropped to avoid a penalty.
Many dropping situations occur as a result of the player needing to take penalty relief. These include hitting your ball into a penalty area, taking stroke and distance relief for your ball which is lost or out of bounds (no drop required if you are going back to the teeing area) and choosing to take unplayable ball relief. In these situations, the Rules also carefully prescribe the location of the relief area in which the ball must be dropped to avoid further penalty.
Replacing your ball on the spot or dropping into a relief area can be fairly simple if you follow the guidelines above. Remember these situations and avoid incurring a penalty when not required, or avoid incurring additional penalties for incorrectly returning your ball into play. And as always, remember to play the course as you find it and the ball as it lies.
Bill Callahan is a member of the CDGA Championship Policy, Rules and Championship Rovers Committees. He was elected as Vice President at Large in 2023.
