What is the rule if the ball is not playable because it is stick in the ground: fairway, rough, green, bunker.

Question

May I place or drop without penalty.

Answer 1

Embedded ball.....used to be through the green. (In closely mown grass) which of course all grass is, that's mown. Now Per USGA rule grass mown to fairway height or less.....unless of course you're on the PGA tour where you always receive relief.

Answer 2

I think you are referring to an embedded ball.  The rules state you get free relief in 'closely mown areas'.  You would not get a free drop when in a hazard.  "Closely mown areas" is quite ambiguous so most tournaments typically have a local rule that gives you free relief "thru the green" to avoid any confusion.  Thru the green is simply all the areas not in a hazard or on the green.  Of course you get free relief when on the green.

Answer 3

Some people play "winter rules" during these months which allows you to "lift, clean and place" your ball if it gets stuck in muddy ground, or too much mud gets on your ball.  The great thing is you get to decide when and where you want to apply this rule.  Personally, I would take advantage of these conditions on every shot, regardless of the condition of my ball or lie.  I don't think you are allowed to improve your lie in a bunker, however.

On the other hand, old Harvey Penick, when asked about winter rules replied,"You can play winter rules, or you can play golf."