Embedded Ball (Plugged Lie Relief)
Also known as: embedded ball, ball embedded, plugged in the fairway, ball plugged in the fairway, plugged in the rough, plugged ball relief, embedded in its own pitch mark, embedded ball relief
An embedded, or plugged, ball sits in its own pitch mark with part of it below ground. In the general area, including the fairway and rough, you get free relief under Rule 16.3, except in sand not cut to fairway height. Drop within one club-length of the spot right behind where it was embedded, no nearer the hole. There is no free relief for a plugged ball in a bunker or penalty area.
A ball is embedded when it sits in its own pitch mark from your previous stroke, with part of it below ground level. If you aren't sure, you may treat it as embedded when that is a reasonable conclusion. It is not embedded if someone stepped on it or it was dropped under a Rule. It is also not embedded if it was driven straight into the ground without ever being in the air.
Under Rule 16.3, free relief applies only in the general area. That is the whole course except the teeing area, bunkers, penalty areas and putting green, so it includes the rough. The reference point is the spot in the general area right behind where the ball was embedded. Your relief area is one club-length from that spot, in the general area and not nearer the hole. Drop the ball from knee height into it. You must find the ball to take this relief.
There are two exceptions. There is no relief when the ball is embedded in sand in an area not cut to fairway height or less. There is also no relief when playing it as it lies is clearly unreasonable for another reason. A ball plugged in a bunker gets no free relief under Rule 16.3. Your options there are to play it or take penalty relief for an unplayable lie. On the putting green, Rule 13 lets you mark, lift and clean the ball, repair the pitch mark and replace the ball.
Tips by skill level
If your ball is half buried in its own mark in the fairway or rough, you get a free drop right behind it. In a bunker, you don't.
Check the local rules on very wet days. A committee may add preferred lies or cleaning-the-ball local rules on top of the standard embedded-ball relief.
Example
After rain, a golfer's approach lands in soft rough and plugs, half buried in its own mark. She lifts and cleans the ball and uses the spot right behind the mark as her reference. She drops from knee height within one club-length, no nearer the hole, and plays on with no penalty.
Why it matters
Plugged balls are common on soft courses. Many golfers still think relief is limited to the fairway. So they play plugged lies in the rough that the Rules let them improve for free.
Common mistakes
- Thinking embedded-ball relief only applies on the fairway
- Taking relief for a ball that was stepped on or that ran into soft ground without flying
- Dropping nearer the hole than the spot right behind the pitch mark
- Expecting free relief for a plugged ball in a bunker
- Taking relief without first finding and identifying the ball
Frequently asked questions
My ball plugged in the fairway, do I get relief?
Yes. A ball embedded in its own pitch mark in the general area gets free relief under Rule 16.3. Drop within one club-length of the spot right behind where it was embedded, no nearer the hole.
Do I get relief for a plugged ball in the rough?
Yes. Rule 16.3 covers the whole general area, which includes the rough. The exception is a ball embedded in sand in an area not cut to fairway height or less.
Do I get relief for a plugged ball in a bunker?
No, embedded-ball relief applies only in the general area. In a bunker you play it as it lies or take penalty relief for an unplayable lie.
What counts as an embedded ball in golf?
A ball sitting in its own pitch mark from your last stroke with part of it below ground level. A ball that was stepped on, or that rolled into soft ground without flying, does not count.
Sources
Related terms
- Free ReliefFree relief is moving the ball to a better spot without a penalty. It covers cases like an immovable obstruction, ground under repair, or an embedded ball.
- Drop ProcedureThe modern drop releases the ball from knee height, straight down, into the relief area. It is simpler than the old shoulder-height drop but often done wrong.
- Playing Golf in the RainTo play well in the rain, keep your grips, gloves and hands dry. Take an extra club so you can hit a lower, controlled shot. On wet fairways the ball barely rolls, so plan to carry it to the target. Make a slightly shorter, balanced swing so your feet don't slip, and putt a little firmer on slow, wet greens.
- Temporary Water (Casual Water)Casual water, now called temporary water in the Rules of Golf, gives you a free drop. If a puddle outside a penalty area touches your ball or affects your stance or swing, you get relief. Drop within one club-length of the nearest point of complete relief, no nearer the hole. Ground that is only wet, soft or muddy doesn't count; the water must be visible before or after your stance.
- Fried Egg Lie (Plugged Bunker Shot)A fried egg is a ball plugged in its own crater in the sand. To dig under it, the usual method is a square or only slightly open face, with your weight leaning toward the target. Make a steep, digging swing into the sand just behind the ball with a short finish. The ball comes out low with little spin and rolls a long way, so aim for the fat part of the green.
- Unplayable LieA golfer may declare their ball unplayable anywhere except a penalty area and take relief for one penalty stroke. Only the golfer makes that call.
- Local RuleA local rule is a course- or competition-specific change adopted by the committee running play. It commonly covers embedded balls, temporary conditions like winter rules, or unique course features the standard Rules of Golf do not address.
Related guides & benchmarks
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