Nina Caldwell
Golf Rule 25-1 is an important rule to know when playing a round of golf in abnormal ground conditions. Abnormal ground conditions include casual water, ground under repair, or holes made by animals. Rule 25-1 allows golfers to take relief without penalty if their ball is affected by abnormal ground conditions, with certain exceptions. For example, if a ball is lost in abnormal ground conditions, the player must be certain that the ball is in such a condition to take relief. This rule is especially relevant during winter or after storms when the course may be wet and muddy. It is one of the most interpreted and important rules in golf, with many golfers debating its application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rule Number | 25 |
| Rule Name | Abnormal Ground Conditions, Embedded Balls and Wrong Putting Greens |
| Clause | 25-1b, 25-1c |
| Scenario | Ball lies in or touches an abnormal ground condition, or the condition affects the player's stance, swing or line on the green |
| Relief | Relief without penalty unless the ball is in a water hazard |
| Lost Ball | If the ball is lost in an abnormal ground condition, the player may substitute another ball without penalty |
| Bunker | If the ball is in a bunker, the player must lift and drop the ball either in the bunker or outside the bunker with a penalty of one stroke |
| Putting Green | The player must lift and place the ball at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard |
| Teeing Ground | The player must lift and drop the ball in accordance with the rule, and the ball may be cleaned |
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What You'll Learn
Abnormal Ground Conditions
Rule 25-1 states that a player may take relief from interference by an abnormal ground condition, except when the ball is in a water hazard. If the ball lies through the green, the player must lift the ball and drop it within one club-length of and not nearer to the hole than the nearest point of relief. This rule also applies if the ball is on the teeing ground, and the player may clean the ball when lifted.
If the ball is in a bunker, the player may substitute another ball, without penalty, and take relief as prescribed in Rule 25-1b(ii). This rule also applies if the ball is on the putting green, and the player may take relief as prescribed in Rule 25-1b(iii).
If a ball is lost or cannot be found, it is a question of fact as to whether the ball is in an abnormal ground condition. If it is known or virtually certain that the ball is in an abnormal ground condition, the player may take relief under this rule. The spot where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the abnormal ground condition must be determined, and the player must proceed accordingly, with options varying depending on whether the ball crossed the green, was in a bunker, or was in a water hazard.
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Embedded Balls
Golf Rule 25 covers abnormal ground conditions, embedded balls and wrong putting greens, including drops and penalties. Rule 25-1 states that if a player's ball lies in or touches an abnormal ground condition, and the condition affects their stance or swing, or if the condition is in the player's line on the green, they can get relief without penalty (as long as the ball is not in a water hazard). Abnormal ground conditions include casual water, ground under repair (as marked by the maintenance crew), holes, casts or other formations made by animals. Dew and frost are not considered casual water.
If a ball is lost in an abnormal ground condition, the player may take relief under Rule 25-1c. In this case, the spot where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the abnormal ground condition must be determined, and the player must proceed as follows:
- Through the Green: If the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the abnormal ground condition at a spot through the green, the player may substitute another ball without penalty.
- In a Bunker: The player must lift the ball and drop it either without penalty, in accordance with Clause (i) above, with the nearest point of relief in the bunker, or under penalty of one stroke, outside the bunker keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped.
- On the Putting Green: The player must lift the ball and place it without penalty at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard. If complete relief is impossible, the ball must be placed at the nearest position that affords maximum available relief from the condition, but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard.
- On the Teeing Ground: The player must lift the ball and drop it without penalty, in accordance with Clause (i) above. The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 25-1b.
Rule 25-2 states that in the fairway or other areas mowed at fairway height, a ball embedded in its own pitch mark can be lifted, cleaned and dropped as close as possible to its original spot, no nearer the hole, without penalty. This does not apply in the rough or hazards but does apply to tightly mowed areas in the rough, such as a walking path.
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Wrong Putting Greens
A "wrong green" is defined as any green on the course other than the putting green for the hole a player is playing. If a temporary green is being used, this also includes a normal putting green and all practice greens unless they are excluded by a Local Rule.
If a player's ball ends up on a wrong green, they must take relief under Rule 13.1F. Interference by a wrong green occurs when a ball is on the wrong putting green, and the player must not play the ball as it lies. Instead, they must take free relief by dropping the original ball or another ball in the relief area. The player must lift the ball and drop it within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief. This must not be in a hazard or on a putting green.
There must be complete relief from all interference by the wrong green. However, there is no relief under this rule if interference exists only because the player chooses a club, type of stance, swing, or direction of play that is unreasonable under the circumstances.
Between two holes, a player may rub the surface or roll a ball on the putting green of the hole just completed and on any practice green. However, testing the putting green or a wrong green during a round while play is stopped is prohibited.
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Ball in Bunker Full of Water
Golf can be a tricky game, and sometimes, you might find yourself in a situation where your ball has landed in a bunker full of water. This is where Rule 25-1, which covers abnormal ground conditions, embedded balls, and wrong putting greens, comes into play.
Abnormal ground conditions include casual water, which is water that is not part of a water hazard, and this is where the bunker full of water comes into the scenario. If your ball has landed in a water-filled bunker, you have two options under Rule 25-1(b)(ii).
Firstly, you can lift the ball and drop it without penalty. The nearest point of relief must be within the bunker, and the ball must be dropped as near as possible to its original spot, but not nearer to the hole. If complete relief is impossible within the bunker, you can drop the ball on a part of the course in the bunker that provides maximum relief from the water, still without penalty.
The second option is to take a penalty stroke and drop the ball outside the bunker. There is no limit to how far behind the bunker you can drop the ball, but you must keep the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot where you drop it.
It is important to note that you cannot just retrieve your ball from the water with a rake, as this would violate the rules. While bunkers failing to drain is a common issue, it is still essential to follow the rules and take the appropriate relief options available to you.
Additionally, if you cannot find your ball but are certain that it is in the abnormal ground condition of the water-filled bunker, you may take relief under Rule 25-1. You would determine the spot where the ball last crossed the bunker's edge and then proceed with the relief options as outlined above.
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Relief Without Penalty
Golf Rule 25 covers Abnormal Ground Conditions, Embedded Balls and Wrong Putting Greens, and Rule 25-1 allows for relief without penalty in certain circumstances. Abnormal Ground Conditions include casual water, ground under repair, holes, casts or other formations made by animals, and debris piled for removal by the maintenance crew. Dew and frost are not considered casual water, and soft or mushy ground is not considered an abnormal ground condition unless water is visible on the surface.
If a player's ball lies in or touches an abnormal ground condition, or if the condition affects their stance, swing or putting line, they may take relief without penalty under Rule 25-1. This applies whether the ball is on the putting green, in a bunker, on the teeing ground, or through the green. The player must lift the ball and place it at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard. If complete relief is impossible, the ball must be placed at the nearest position that offers maximum available relief from the condition, but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard.
If a ball is lost and cannot be found within 5 minutes, it is deemed a lost ball and the player must proceed under Rule 27-1. However, if it is known or virtually certain that the lost ball is in an abnormal ground condition, the player may take relief without penalty under Rule 25-1. The spot where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the abnormal ground condition is deemed to be the ball's position, and the player may substitute another ball and take relief as prescribed in Rule 25-1.
Rule 25-1 is particularly relevant in wet conditions, when bunkers may be partially or completely full of standing water, and when casual water may be present on the course. It is one of the most interpreted rules in golf, as it covers a wide range of scenarios and contains several defined terms and exceptions.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf Rule 25-1 covers abnormal ground conditions, embedded balls and wrong putting greens.
Abnormal ground conditions include casual water, ground under repair (as marked by the maintenance crew) or holes, casts or other formations made by animals. Dew and frost are not considered casual water.
If the player’s ball lies in or touches an abnormal ground condition, if the condition affects their stance or swing, or if the condition is in the player’s line on the green, they get relief without penalty (unless the ball is in a water hazard).
If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in an abnormal ground condition, the player may take relief under Rule 25-1. The spot where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the abnormal ground condition must be determined and the player must proceed as follows: Through the Green—the player may substitute another ball, without penalty.
Rule 25-1(b)(ii) refers to a ball in a bunker full of water.
