Jackson Reid
Golf is a sport with a multitude of rules and regulations, and the concept of 'dropping' is often misunderstood. A drop in golf refers to the action of dropping a ball, either under penalty or not, from knee height. The rules regarding dropping were updated in 2019, and now specify that the ball must be dropped by the player or their partner, and must come to rest within the designated relief area. The relief area is determined by the type of relief being taken, with different reference points for different scenarios. Understanding the rules surrounding dropping in golf can help players feel more confident and competent during their game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dropping height | Knee height |
| Previous dropping height | Shoulder height |
| Club-length measurement | Longest club in your bag (excluding putter) |
| Ball landing | Must land in the relief area |
| Ball landing outside relief area | Drop again |
| Ball landing inside relief area but outside the area of the course where it first touched down | Drop again |
| Ball landing inside relief area and inside the area of the course where it first touched down | Place the ball where it struck the ground on the second drop |
| Ball landing inside relief area but deflected after hitting the ground | Drop again |
| Failure to mark the spot before lifting the ball | One penalty stroke |
| Cleaning the ball | Allowed on the putting green, when taking free relief or a penalty drop |
| Cleaning the ball when checking if it has settled into an indentation | Not allowed unless taking relief from an embedded ball |
| Caddie dropping the ball | Not allowed |
| Failure to comply with rules on cleaning the ball | One penalty stroke |
| Ball drop | One stroke |
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What You'll Learn
The height of the drop
The reason for dropping from knee height is to retain some randomness in where the ball will end up, which is similar to the unpredictability of a ball's landing spot after a stroke. Additionally, dropping from knee height results in the ball embedding less in sandy areas than a ball dropped from shoulder height.
When dropping the ball, it must be dropped straight down from knee height and must first strike the ground within the relief area. The relief area is the spot on the course nearest to where the ball lies, but not nearer to the hole, where the next stroke can be played without interference from the condition for which relief is being taken. The size of the relief area is determined by the type of relief being taken, with one club-length for things like cart paths and ground under repair, and two club-lengths for lateral relief for an unplayable ball or a ball in a red penalty area.
If the ball is dropped from a height other than knee height, the drop does not count, and the player must drop the ball again.
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The role of the caddie
The caddie can, however, advise the player on the rules and best course of action. For example, if a ball is dropped and it comes to rest in an abnormal area, the caddie can advise the player on the rules and reference points. The caddie can also help with measuring, as club-length measurements must be made with the longest club being carried for that round, excluding the putter. The caddie can ensure the correct club is used and that the player is aware of the rules.
A caddie can also advise on the rules regarding cleaning the ball. The player can clean their ball when it is on the putting green or when taking free relief or a penalty drop. However, the player cannot clean the ball when checking to see if it has settled into an indentation. If the player does so, they will be penalised one stroke.
The caddie can also advise on the rules regarding the relief area. The player can stand either inside or outside the relief area when dropping the ball. The relief area is always measured from a reference point, and these reference points differ depending on the type of relief. For example, for a ball in a penalty area, the reference point is where the ball crossed the edge of the penalty area.
In summary, while the caddie cannot physically drop the ball for the player, they can provide valuable advice and knowledge to ensure the player is adhering to the rules and making informed decisions.
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Marking the spot
Firstly, before you lift your ball, you must mark its spot. This can be done by placing a ball marker behind or next to the ball. Alternatively, you can hold a club on the ground right behind or next to the ball. It is important to remember that failing to mark the spot before lifting your ball will result in a one-stroke penalty.
When marking the spot, you can leave the headcover on your driver. However, it's important to note that the extra length of the headcover does not count towards any measurements. The club-length measurement refers specifically to the length of the driver itself. This rule was implemented to prevent players with long putters from gaining an advantage in measurements.
The relief area, where you will drop the ball, is determined by the reference point, which is the spot where your ball lies. The size of the relief area is then measured from this reference point. The relief area must be within a certain distance from the reference point, and it cannot be nearer to the hole. The specific distance depends on the type of relief being taken, such as one club-length for cart paths or two club-lengths for lateral relief for an unplayable ball.
When taking measurements, it is important to use the longest club you are carrying for that round, excluding the putter. This rule ensures that players with longer clubs do not gain an advantage over those with shorter clubs. By using the longest club, the differences in club lengths between players are minimised, creating a fair playing field for everyone.
By following these instructions for marking the spot, you can ensure that your drop is taken correctly and in accordance with the rules of golf. Remember, it is important to be familiar with the rules to improve your confidence and competence as a golfer.
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Cleaning the ball
Golf balls can get dirty quickly, and there are many ways to clean them. One way is to use a traditional ball washer, which is often found on courses. If you don't have access to a ball washer, there are other methods you can use to clean your golf balls.
One simple and effective method is to use warm, soapy water. Fill a bucket with warm water and add some mild soap or detergent. Place the dirty golf balls in the bucket and let them soak for an hour. After soaking, use a clean towel or hand brush to shine the balls. This method is easy and non-abrasive, so it won't damage the balls.
Another option is to use a solution of denture whitener. Soak the golf balls in the solution and use a toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn stains. This method can be effective for removing tough dirt or marks.
If you're dealing with muddy stains or marks, such as Sharpie scribbles, you can use nail polish remover. Apply it to a cotton ball and gently dab the affected areas. However, be cautious when using nail polish remover, as it has a strong odour and can be abrasive. It's best to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
Additionally, saliva can be an effective, natural cleaner. It may not be the most pleasant option, but our saliva contains bacteria-killing properties and can help remove dirt. Simply use a towel and your saliva to wipe down the golf balls.
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Penalty strokes
There are numerous ways in which a player can incur penalty strokes. For example, a player incurs a penalty stroke if they fail to mark the spot before lifting their ball. They must use a ball marker behind or next to the ball or hold a club on the ground right behind or next to the ball. Another way a player can incur a penalty stroke is by recording an incorrect score. If a player returns a score that is lower than their actual score for any hole, the score for that hole is considered as recorded, and the player will incur a penalty. The penalty for each hole is either the number of penalty strokes actually taken on that hole or two strokes, whichever is higher.
Players can also incur penalty strokes by violating equipment rules. For example, a player incurs a penalty if they have more than 14 clubs in their bag or use a club or ball of illegal design. Illegal clubs include those with a concave face or shaft lengths over 48 inches. Illegal balls include those with improper size or weight, floating balls, or "novelty" balls such as exploding or disintegrating balls. In the case of an illegal ball, the player adds two strokes for every hole on which that ball was used.
It is important to note that the rules regarding penalty strokes in golf may vary depending on local rules and the type of game being played. For example, taking a penalty stroke and re-teeing after hitting the ball out-of-bounds (OB) is the strict rule, but some casual games allow players to take two penalty strokes and drop the ball on the fairway edge nearest to where they went out of bounds to speed up play.
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Frequently asked questions
A drop in golf refers to when a player must take relief, either under penalty or not, by dropping their ball from knee height.
A drop counts as one stroke. However, if you hit an out-of-bounds ball, it's a one-stroke penalty, and you must drop your ball where you think it went out of bounds.
The relief area is based on three factors: reference point, size, and location. The reference point is where the size of the relief area is measured from. The size of the relief area is either one or two club lengths from the reference point. The location of the relief area must be no nearer to the hole than the reference point.
The ball must be dropped straight down from knee height by the player or their partner. It must first strike the ground within the relief area and must remain within the relief area. If the ball doesn't land in the relief area, the player must drop the ball again.
