Rules · Tip
Relief From Water or Repair Ground on the Green
Part of our rules programs. Build a program with it
Your ball is on the green, and something like temporary water is in your way. Under Rule 16.1d, you get free relief. Here you place the ball. You don't drop it. Find the nearest spot where the condition no longer affects you. It must not be closer to the hole. That spot has to be on the putting surface or in the general area. If there's no spot with full relief, use the one with the most relief.
Step by step
- Spot the condition.
- Find the nearest point of full relief.
- Keep it on the green or general area.
- Place the ball; don't drop.
- No full relief? Use the best spot.
Why it works
On the putting green, a ball must roll on a smooth, true surface. Temporary water or repair ground changes how the ball rolls or how you stand, so the rules let you move the ball without penalty. You place the ball because a drop would bounce and roll on the green. The nearest point of relief keeps your new spot as close as possible to the original, so you gain no advantage.
Common mistakes
- You drop the ball instead of placing it.Set the ball down by hand on the relief spot and let go only when it is at rest.
- You choose a spot closer to the hole because it looks easier.Pick the nearest point of relief that is no closer to the hole, even if the line is harder.
- You pick a spot where your stance or line is still affected, even though a clear spot exists nearby.Check your stance and the line to the hole at each candidate spot, then choose the nearest spot that is clear of the condition.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball sits still on the spot you placed it, with no part of your stance in the water or damaged area.
- Your new spot is no closer to the hole than your original spot.
- Your putt rolls on a dry, undamaged surface along its whole path, or at least with less of the condition than before.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice on a dry green by marking an imaginary puddle with a few tees, then find and place the ball at the nearest clear spot.
Harder: Use a larger imaginary area that covers the nearest clear spots on one side, so you must compare points and decide which is truly nearest without getting closer to the hole.
Common questions
Can I drop the ball when taking relief on the green?
No. On the putting green you place the ball by hand on the relief spot. Dropping is for relief in the general area and other parts of the course.
What if there is no spot on the green with full relief?
Use the spot that gives the most relief. It must still be no closer to the hole and on the putting green or in the general area.
