How to drop a golf ball correctly

On the course

1. Identify the correct rule and reference point.
2. Measure the required relief area.
3. Drop straight down from knee height without throwing or spinning the ball.
4. Check that it comes to rest in the permitted relief area.

Worked situation

After two drops made in the right way that finish outside the relief area, place a ball where it first touched the ground on the second drop.

Important distinction

A wrong-way drop does not count as one of those two drops. Back-on-the-line relief has a specific procedure based on the line; do not substitute an old shoulder-height drop.

Related video

Watch the demonstration, then return to the practice check in this guide.

Measure the right space

A club-length is based on the longest club you have during the round, other than a putter. Ordinary abnormal-condition relief commonly uses one club-length; lateral unplayable-ball and red-penalty-area relief use two. Back-on-the-line relief starts with a drop on the required line, then uses the specific one-club-length area defined by first ground contact. Check that the ball rests in the permitted area before playing.

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