Making A Stroke > Dropping

• Definition: Drop
• A ball must be dropped from knee height. The player does not need to be standing. 14.3b(2)  
• A ball may be dropped by the player or the player's partner. 14.3b(1), 22.2, and 23.5a  
• A dropped ball must land in and end up in the relief area (normally 1 club-length, 2 club-lengths for lateral relief and unplayable ball). The relief area for a drop zone is the entire drop zone. 14.3b(3)  
• A dropped ball can hit a player or any equipment after it lands but not before. 14.3b(2)
• A dropped ball does not need to land on the ground, it may land in a bush. 14.3c(1)
• A dropped ball can always be substituted. 14.3a
• A ball is properly dropped when it: 14.3b
  • Is dropped by the correct person.
  • Is dropped from knee height.
  • Is dropped without spin.
  • Does not hit the player or equipment before hitting the ground.
  • Lands in and stays in the relief area.
• A player is allowed 2 drops. A drop counts towards the 2 drops when it meets the first 4 prior requirements but does not stay in the relief area. 14.3c(1)
• When a ball does not remain in the relief area after 2 drops, the player must place a ball where the ball struck the ground on the second drop. 14.3c(2)
• A dropped ball must remain in the relief area and in the same area of the course where the ball first strikes the ground. 14.6b, 17.1d, 19.2b