Rules question · Rule 16.1a · Hard
Animal hole in a penalty area: is there free relief?
Your ball lies in a rabbit hole inside a penalty area. What may you do?
Answer
Play it as it lies, or take penalty area relief for one penalty stroke
There is no free relief from an abnormal course condition such as an animal hole when your ball is in a penalty area. You play the ball as it lies or take relief outside the penalty area for one penalty stroke. The only exception is a dangerous animal condition, such as snakes or wasps.