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Rule 17.1d, 19.2c

Lateral relief

Also searched as: lateral drop, two club-lengths, dropping sideways

You drop with one penalty stroke within two club-lengths, no nearer the hole. It is allowed for a red penalty area and for an unplayable ball.

The reference point depends on the situation:

  • Red penalty area: the point where the ball last crossed the edge. The drop must be outside the penalty area.
  • Unplayable ball: the spot of the ball. In a bunker the drop must stay in the bunker.

There is no lateral relief for a yellow penalty area.