Do you get relief for an embedded (plugged) ball?
By The Fairway Labs TeamReviewed
Free relief
Penalty: None
Do you get relief for an embedded (plugged) ball?
PenaltyNone· under Rule 16.3
What to do
- 1Confirm the ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark, in the general area.
- 2Mark the spot right behind where the ball first broke the surface.
- 3Lift, clean, and drop within one club-length of that spot, no nearer the hole, from knee height.
- 4Play on with no penalty.
Based on the modern Rules of Golf (Rule 16.3), as published by the USGA and The R&A and effective from the 2019 revision. Local rules can modify some situations — check the scorecard or with the committee when in doubt.
Related rulings
Get better at golf, one email at a time
Join the newsletter for new beginner guides, honest gear reviews, and tips that actually lower your scores. No spam, ever.