Ground under repair or temporary water
In the general area, qualifying interference from ground under repair or temporary water normally allows free relief.
By Fore Alarm · Updated October 31, 2026
In the general area, qualifying interference from ground under repair or temporary water normally allows free relief.
- Use the nearest point of complete relief, then a one-club-length relief area in the general area, no closer to the hole.
Bunker and green procedures differ. No normal relief in penalty areas. Check no-play zones and Local Rules.
Official R&A / USGA Rules · Rule 16.1 ↗
On-course example
Your ball lies in a marked repair area in the general area. Identify complete relief from the condition, then establish the relief area.
Before you act
Identify the area of the course, check the relevant Local Rules, and establish your reference point before lifting or moving a ball. Ask the Committee or a referee when a competition ruling is unclear.
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