What if an abnormal course condition blocks my line on the green?

Yes, you get free relief. If temporary water, ground under repair, or another abnormal course condition sits on your line of play on the putting green, you place a ball at the nearest point of complete relief — on the green or in the general area — not nearer the hole (Rule 16.1d).

When this applies

Your ball has to be on the putting green. The interference must come from an abnormal course condition — things like temporary water, ground under repair, animal holes, or immovable obstructions. Crucially, on the green, interference includes your line of play, not just your stance or swing. If a puddle sits between your ball and the hole, that counts.

How to take relief

Find the nearest point of complete relief where the condition no longer interferes with your line, stance, and swing for the stroke you'd make. That point can be on the putting green or in the general area (fringe, fairway, rough). Place a ball there — no dropping, no tee. The spot must not be nearer the hole than your original ball.

Key details to remember

Relief is optional — you can always play it as it lies. If the nearest point of complete relief is in a penalty area or bunker, that's not allowed; you'd need to find the next nearest spot that qualifies. Also, you only get relief from the specific condition you're addressing. If another puddle appears after you place the ball, that's a new situation and you can take relief again.

Exceptions that change the answer

• The interfering condition is a penalty area → Rule 17 applies instead — different relief options, usually with a penalty stroke
• The area is a no play zone → Relief is mandatory under Rule 16.1f, and the nearest point of complete relief must be outside the no play zone
• Your ball is not on the putting green → Line of play relief doesn't apply; you only get relief for stance, swing, or lie interference under Rule 16.1b or 16.1c

Frequently asked questions

Does this cover a sprinkler head on the fringe?

No. If your ball is on the green but the sprinkler head is on the fringe, that's general area interference. You'd use Rule 16.1b, which doesn't give line of play relief — only stance, swing, and lie.

What if the nearest point of complete relief is in a bunker?

You can't use that spot. The nearest point must be on the putting green or in the general area. Keep looking for the next nearest spot that meets those criteria.

Can I choose to play the ball as it lies instead?

Absolutely. Relief under Rule 16.1d is always optional. If you like the lie or the line, putt away.

What happens if I take relief and then have interference from a different condition?

That's a new situation. You can take relief again from the new condition, finding a fresh nearest point of complete relief.

Do I have to simulate the stroke to find the nearest point?

Not required, but it's recommended. The rule says you should normally take a stance and swing with the club you'd use to make an accurate estimate.