Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Drop Zone is a special relief area established by the Committee under a Local Rule. When the applicable Local Rule permits its use, the player drops a ball in the marked area and it must come to rest there. It is not automatically available on every course.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, a Drop Zone can provide a practical alternative to normal relief where a hole's design makes the usual option awkward, such as beside a penalty area or Wrong Green. The Committee must state when it applies and whether relief is free or carries a penalty. A player still follows Rule 14.3; using a permitted zone does not itself decide the hole's result.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Drop Zone |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 14.3; Model Local Rule E-1 (Dropping Zones) |
| Related concepts | Drop, Relief Area, Penalty Relief, Local Rule, Wrong Place |
Worked example
On a par-three, Alex's tee shot enters a penalty area and the Local Rule offers the Drop Zone for one penalty stroke. Alex takes the penalty, drops and leaves the ball at rest in the zone, then plays the next stroke as stroke three; the example is illustrative, not a record of an actual match.
Rule reference: Rule 14.3; Model Local Rule E-1 (Dropping Zones)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is a Drop Zone part of the Rules of Golf?
The Rules of Golf govern how a ball is dropped in a relief area, including a Drop Zone, through Rule 14.3. The Committee creates and activates a particular Drop Zone through a Local Rule, commonly using Model Local Rule E-1.
Do I have to use a Drop Zone?
Only if the applicable Local Rule says it is the required option. Many Drop Zones are an extra option, so the player may instead use another relief option that the relevant Rule permits. Read the notice or Terms of the Competition before choosing.
Can I stand inside the Drop Zone when dropping?
No special stance inside the zone is required. Rule 14.3 allows the player to stand inside or outside the relief area, but the ball must be dropped correctly and come to rest in the Drop Zone when that zone defines the relief area.