Rules question · Rule 17.1d · Expert
Lateral relief: can I drop on the other side of the ditch?
Your ball is in a narrow ditch, a red penalty area barely a metre wide. For lateral relief you measure two club-lengths from where the ball last crossed the edge. May you measure across the ditch and drop on the other side?
Answer
Yes, if the spot is within the two club-lengths and not nearer the hole
You may measure the two club-lengths in any direction, including across a narrow penalty area. The part of the ditch itself is not part of the relief area. Dropping farther away on the opposite side is only allowed if a Local Rule permits it.
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