Mastering the Game: Golf Rules Explained by an NJ Golf Official

By: Walter Sartorius, NJ Golf Tournament Committee Member

KENILWORTH, N.J. - We are now one month into the handicap season in New Jersey, with many golfers resuming play or integrating swing adjustments learned over the winter. This period also offers a prime opportunity to review and refresh our understanding of the golf rules.

Whether proceeding under free relief (such as from a cart path) or penalty relief (such as from penalty areas), the rules commonly require the player to drop the ball. Over time, this procedure has evolved from dropping over the back of the shoulder to extended at shoulder height, and most recently in 2019, from knee height. Rule 25 provides additional flexibility for players with certain disabilities.

Dropping the ball within the relief area is governed by Rule 14.3 and requires the procedure to be conducted "in the right way." This process can be distilled into three key aspects: who, how, and where.

Firstly, the "who" stipulates that only the player (or their partner) may drop the ball. No other individuals, including caddies or advice givers, are permitted to perform the drop.

Secondly, the "how" involves releasing the ball from knee height so that it falls vertically without contacting the player's body or equipment before hitting the ground. The ball should be dropped without any spinning, tossing, or manipulation affecting its resting position. If the ball inadvertently touches the player's foot or marking tee after first contacting the ground, this is permissible.

Knee height is defined as the height of the player's knee when standing, with reasonable judgment applied rather than strict measurement. A margin of error of a few inches above or below the kneecap is acceptable.

Thirdly, the "where" specifies that the ball must be dropped within the designated relief area or on the line when taking back-on-the-line relief.

Once the player has adhered to this procedure, they have dropped the ball correctly (right way) under the rules. However, if the ball is dropped incorrectly, the player must drop again without limit until properly executed. If the ball rolls out of the relief area after a correct drop, the player must drop again. Should the ball again roll outside the relief area, the player will place the ball at the point where it initially contacted the ground.

For instance, in taking lateral relief from a red penalty area, measure a two-club-length relief area. If the dropped ball first hits the ground outside the relief area, it has not been dropped correctly. The drop does not count, and the player must drop again. Dropping correctly but having the ball roll outside the relief area requires a second drop. If this second dropped ball comes to rest within the relief area, relief is complete. If it again exits the relief area, the player will place the ball at the spot where the second drop initially touched the ground.

Here are some lesser-known facts about dropping in a relief area. When dropping under a rule, you can substitute a ball each time you drop, including if you need to place the ball after a second drop. Additionally, you can remove loose impediments from the relief area before dropping or before placing when required to do so.

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