Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An Abnormal Course Condition is one of four defined conditions: an Animal Hole, Ground Under Repair, an Immovable Obstruction or Temporary Water. Rule 16.1 can provide free relief when the condition interferes with the ball, stance, swing or, on the Putting Green, the line of play.
How it matters in match play
The relief test is the same in Match Play as in Stroke Play, so a player may use Rule 16.1 when an Abnormal Course Condition interferes. Relief is generally unavailable when the ball is in a Penalty Area, and the condition must be on the course rather than Out of Bounds. Taking or declining optional relief can affect the strokes and outcome of the hole, so state the decision clearly to the opponent.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Abnormal Course Condition |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 16.1 |
| Related concepts | Animal Hole, Ground Under Repair, Immovable Obstruction, Temporary Water, Free Relief |
Worked example
Alex's ball is on an Immovable Obstruction in the General Area, and the Nearest Point of Complete Relief is 6 metres from the hole. Alex drops within one club-length of that point, not nearer the hole, and the ball comes to rest 6.5 metres away with complete relief; no penalty stroke is added.
Rule reference: Rule 16.1
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What conditions are classed as an Abnormal Course Condition?
The four are Animal Holes, Ground Under Repair, Immovable Obstructions and Temporary Water. Each has its own definition, but Rule 16.1 groups them for the purpose of free-relief procedures.
When does an Abnormal Course Condition interfere with play?
Interference exists when the ball touches or lies in the condition, or when the condition physically interferes with the intended stance or swing. If the ball is on the Putting Green, interference can also be a condition on or off the green intervening on the Line of Play.
How do I take free relief from an Abnormal Course Condition?
In the General Area, find the Nearest Point of Complete Relief and drop within one club-length, not nearer the hole and still in the General Area. The relief area must provide complete relief from the condition. Different procedures apply in a Bunker or on the Putting Green.
Can I take free relief if my ball is in a Penalty Area?
No. Rule 16.1 does not provide free relief from an Abnormal Course Condition when the ball is in a Penalty Area; the relevant relief options are under Rule 17.
Is an Abnormal Course Condition a penalty?
No. The condition itself is not a penalty. When Rule 16.1 applies, free relief is available, although the player may choose to play the ball as it lies where that is possible.
Does Abnormal Course Condition have a special Match Play score?
No. It is a Rules term, not a scoring result. The condition may change where a player plays from, while the hole is still won, lost or halved under the normal Match Play scoring rules.