The ruling in plain English
You normally get free relief when your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the general area and part of it is below ground level. Drop within one club-length of the spot directly behind the ball, in the general area and no nearer the hole.
Check these facts first
A ball is embedded only when it is in its own pitch-mark from the previous stroke and part of it is below ground level. Rule 16.3 relief is normally available only in the general area. The reference point is immediately behind the embedded ball and the relief area is one club-length in the general area, no nearer the hole.
Your on-course procedure
- 1
Confirm the ball is in its own pitch-mark made by the previous stroke and part of it is below ground level.
- 2
Check that the ball is in the general area and that no Rule 16.3 exception removes relief.
- 3
Use the spot directly behind the embedded ball as the reference point.
- 4
Drop the original ball or another ball within one club-length, in the general area and no nearer the hole.
Count it correctly
No penalty for valid embedded-ball relief; playing from a wrong place brings the general penalty.
The exact outcome depends on the stated facts and format of play. Apply any exception below before recording the penalty.
Know when the answer changes
- No Rule 16.3 relief applies when the ball is embedded in sand in a part of the general area not cut to fairway height or less.
- A ball embedded on the putting green is handled under Rule 13.1c rather than this dropping procedure.
Avoid these wrong turns
- Treating a ball pressed into the ground by a foot or a drop as embedded.
- Assuming relief is always available from sand in uncut parts of the general area.
Check the official wording
This independent guide is a plain-English aid. The current Rules, Interpretations and any course Local Rules control the ruling.
Would you make the right call?
Answer one situation from this guide, then try the full rules challenge for bragging rights.