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 options). The relief area for a drop zone is the entire drop zone. 14.3b(3)
- After a ball is dropped or replaced and is moved by natural forces into another area of the course, the ball is replaced without penalty. (2023) 9.3 Exception 2
- When taking back-on-the-line relief the player must drop the ball on the line. The player does not pick a reference point on the line. The spot where the ball first hits the ground creates the relief area. (2023) 14.3b(3)
- When taking back-on-the-line relief the dropped ball may roll 1 club-length in any direction (including forward) after hitting the ground. (2023) 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b
- 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
- A dropped ball must not be deliberately deflected if there is a reasonable chance it will remain in the relief area. 14.3d
- A dropped ball may be deliberately deflected while it is still in the relief area when there is no reasonable chance it will remain in the relief area. 14.3d Exception
