The Problem: Ball on the Concrete
Perfect drive... bad bounce. Your ball sits right in the middle of the cart path. Do you have to scratch up your irons? Absolutely not.
Paved cart paths are considered Immovable Obstructions under Rule 16.1. You are entitled to free relief (no penalty).
Common Mistakes When Taking Relief
- Picking the most convenient spot, not the nearest. The "Reference Point" is the nearest spot where the path no longer interferes — even if it's behind a tree.
- Forgetting that stance matters. If you're a lefty, your reference point will be different from a righty, because your natural swing position is different.
- Measuring more than one club-length. The relief area is exactly one club-length (usually your driver) from the reference point.
How to Do It Right (Rule 16.1)
- Identify Reference Point: Find the nearest spot off the path where the path no longer interferes with your stance or swing. Not the "nicest" spot, but the nearest.
- Measure Relief Area: From that point, you have one club-length (usually your driver) to measure a drop zone.
- Drop the Ball: From knee height. The ball must stay within that relief area.
Warning! Sometimes the nearest point requires you to drop in a bush or behind a tree. In that case, playing from the path might actually be your best option! Always evaluate before picking up your ball.