Definition
General area
Also searched as: fairway, rough, semi-rough, areas of the course
Until 2019: through the green
The whole course except four specific areas: the teeing area of the hole being played, all bunkers, all penalty areas and the putting green of the hole being played.
The Rules divide the course into five areas: the general area, the teeing area, bunkers, penalty areas and the putting green. Some Rules differ by area. When taking free relief, the area your ball lies in decides where you may drop.
Teeing areas and greens of other holes are also part of the general area. If your ball is on a wrong green, however, you must take free relief.