The fairway looks perfect until your ball stops in a freshly dug-up patch. Fortunately, there is a rule for this mess.
What counts as ground under repair?
An area defined as ground under repair by the Committee is an abnormal course condition. Certain conditions, including holes made by the Committee or course maintenance staff, may also qualify even without painted lines.
How do you take relief?
In the general area, find the nearest point of complete relief, no nearer the hole, and drop within one club-length of that point in the general area. The ball must come to rest in the relief area and complete relief must be taken.
Know the exceptions
Relief under Rule 16.1 may not be allowed when playing the ball would be clearly unreasonable for another reason. Relief for a ball in a penalty area is handled differently. Check the Committee's markings and any local rules.
Fore Alarm takeaway: Learn the rules, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the round. Golf is serious. We're not.
Official rule reference: Rules of Golf.
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