What happens if your ball is embedded in the fairway?

The situation

Your ball has plugged into its own pitch mark — sitting below ground level, half-buried in soft fairway or rough after a steep approach. You want to know if you get free relief.

The rule

Under Rule 16.3, you are entitled to free relief when your ball is embedded in the general area (fairway, rough, and other closely mown areas) — meaning the ball is in its own pitch mark and part of the ball is below the surface of the ground. Mark the spot directly behind the embedded ball (not to the side), then lift it, and drop within one club length of that reference spot, no closer to the hole. The ball must stay in the general area — it can't roll into a bunker, penalty area, or onto a putting green. Note: this rule does not apply in bunkers (sand) or penalty areas.

Real example

Soft ground after overnight rain. Your approach makes a deep pitch mark and the ball sits half-buried in the fairway. Mark directly behind the ball, lift it, drop within one club length of the mark. Free relief — play from your new lie.

What to do on the course

• Confirm the ball is in its own pitch mark (not just resting in a depression or old divot — those don't qualify)
• The reference point is directly behind the embedded ball — not to the side
• Drop within one club length of that reference point, not nearer the hole
• If your ball is embedded in a bunker: no free relief — see unplayable lie options instead

Penalty

No penalty. Free relief for an embedded ball in the general area.