Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An Animal Hole is a hole dug in the ground by an animal, excluding holes dug by animals classed as loose impediments, such as worms or insects. The definition also covers the loose material, worn track or trail leading into it, and ground pushed up or altered by underground digging.
How it matters in match play
Animal Hole is not a match-play format or scoring method. It matters when a ball, stance or swing is interfered with by the hole as an Abnormal Course Condition. Subject to Rule 16.1, the player may normally take free relief rather than play from the damaged area; the relief procedure does not change because the match is head-to-head.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Animal Hole |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 16.1 (relief from Abnormal Course Conditions, including Animal Holes) |
| Related concepts | Abnormal Course Condition, Free Relief, General Area, Nearest Point of Complete Relief, Putting Green |
Worked example
On the 6th hole, Alex's ball lies in a rabbit-dug Animal Hole in the General Area; after identifying the Nearest Point of Complete Relief, Alex drops within one club-length and plays on, while Ben's match-play score is unaffected by the relief itself.
Rule reference: Rule 16.1 (relief from Abnormal Course Conditions, including Animal Holes)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What is an Animal Hole in golf?
It is a hole dug in the ground by an animal, other than a hole dug by an animal that is a loose impediment, such as a worm or insect. The definition also includes the excavated material, worn entry track or trail, and ground pushed up or altered by underground digging.
Do you get free relief from an Animal Hole?
Usually, yes, when the Animal Hole interferes with the ball, stance or swing as described in Rule 16.1. The relief area and procedure depend on whether the ball is in the General Area, a bunker or on the Putting Green; a ball in a Penalty Area is dealt with under Rule 17 unless another Rule applies.
Is an Animal Hole a dangerous animal condition?
No. An Animal Hole is a physical hole or disturbed ground and is an Abnormal Course Condition under Rule 16.1. A nearby animal that could cause serious physical injury is a separate Dangerous Animal Condition under Rule 16.2.
Does an Animal Hole give extra strokes in match play?
No. If Rule 16.1 permits free relief, taking that relief adds no penalty stroke and does not alter the hole's match-play result. The player must still follow the correct reference point, relief area and dropping or placing procedure.
Can an Animal Hole be on the Putting Green?
Yes. Animal Holes are one of the abnormal course conditions covered by Rule 16.1. When the ball is on the Putting Green and there is interference, relief is normally taken by placing a ball at the Nearest Point of Complete Relief, subject to the Rule's limits.
Are all small holes made by insects Animal Holes?
No. The definition excludes holes dug by animals that are themselves defined as loose impediments, including worms or insects. Do not assume that every small opening qualifies; apply the defined-term wording and any relevant Committee guidance.