What defines ground under repair on the course

Ground under repair is an abnormal course condition marked by stakes, lines, or a committee declaration. If your ball lies in it — including in a bunker or on the putting green — you get free relief under Rule 16.1.

How ground under repair is marked

The committee defines ground under repair with white stakes, painted lines, or a written notice. Any area so marked — plus material piled for removal, holes made by staff, and animal habitats the committee protects — counts as ground under repair. The edge of the area is the outside edge of the stakes or line, and the stakes themselves are obstructions you can move.

Relief when your ball is in a bunker

Rule 12.3 points you to Rule 16.1c for abnormal course condition interference in a bunker. You may take free relief inside the bunker at the nearest point of complete relief, or take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker for one penalty stroke. If the bunker is completely covered by temporary water or ground under repair, the committee may declare it ground under repair and let you drop outside without penalty.

Relief on the putting green

Rule 13 covers putting greens, and Rule 16.1d gives you free relief when ground under repair interferes with your lie, stance, or intended swing — or when it lies on your line of play. You place the ball at the nearest point of complete relief, which may be off the green. No penalty, and you don't have to drop; you place it.

Exceptions that change the answer

• The committee declares a bunker ground under repair → You may take free relief outside the bunker under Rule 16.1c(2) instead of the usual one-stroke penalty for back-on-the-line relief.
• Ground under repair is on your line of play on the putting green → You get free relief under Rule 16.1d even without interference to lie or stance — place at the nearest point of complete relief.

Frequently asked questions

What physical features mark ground under repair?

White stakes, white painted lines, or a committee notice define the area. The stakes are movable obstructions; the line's outer edge is the boundary.

Do I get free relief from ground under repair in a bunker?

Yes. Rule 12.3 sends you to Rule 16.1c: free relief in the bunker at the nearest point of complete relief, or one penalty stroke to drop outside on the back-on-the-line option.

Can I move the white stakes marking ground under repair?

Yes. The stakes are movable obstructions. You may remove them without penalty, but you must replace them if they're moved.

What if ground under repair is on my putting line but not touching my ball?

On the putting green only, Rule 16.1d gives free relief when ground under repair intervenes on your line of play. Place at the nearest point of complete relief.

Is a hole made by the greenkeeper ground under repair?

Yes. Any hole made by the committee or maintenance staff counts as ground under repair even without stakes or lines.