Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An Embedded Ball is a ball in its own pitch-mark from the player's previous stroke, with part of the ball below ground level. Under Rule 16.3, free relief is generally available when this happens in the general area, subject to the Rule's sand and clearly-unreasonable-stroke exceptions.
How it matters in match play
Embedded Ball relief works the same way in Match Play as in other forms of play: when the ball qualifies under Rule 16.3, the player may take free relief before playing the next stroke. The relief does not change the hole score by itself. In a match, the practical result is that the player continues from the permitted relief area rather than playing the embedded lie.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Embedded Ball |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 16.3a and Rule 16.3b |
| Related concepts | Free Relief, General Area, Lie, Relief Area, Stroke |
Worked example
Illustrative example: Alex's approach embeds in its own pitch-mark in the fairway. The reference point is the spot in the general area right behind the ball, so Alex may drop within one club-length, no nearer the hole, and must play from the relief area if the ball comes to rest there.
Rule reference: Rule 16.3a and Rule 16.3b
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What counts as an Embedded Ball?
The ball must be in its own pitch-mark made by the player's previous stroke, and part of the ball must be below ground level. A ball pushed into the ground by a person, driven straight into the ground without becoming airborne, or dropped during relief is not embedded for Rule 16.3.
Can I take free relief for an Embedded Ball in a bunker?
No. Rule 16.3 provides relief only when the ball is embedded in the general area. It does not provide embedded-ball relief when the ball is in a bunker or penalty area. A separate exception also excludes sand in a general-area part not cut to fairway height or less.
How far may I drop for an Embedded Ball?
Use the spot in the general area right behind where the ball is embedded as the reference point. The relief area is one club-length from that point, must be in the general area, and must not be nearer the hole. The dropped ball must come to rest in the relief area.
Do I have to find an Embedded Ball before taking relief?
Yes. The Rules require the ball to be found for this relief option. If it cannot be found, do not assume that an embedded-ball relief procedure applies; the applicable lost-ball procedure may instead govern.
Does an Embedded Ball automatically give free relief anywhere on the course?
No. The location and circumstances matter. Rule 16.3 is limited to an Embedded Ball in the general area, and it has specific exceptions, including certain sand lies and situations where playing the ball as it lies is clearly unreasonable for another reason.
What if the Embedded Ball is on the putting green?
Rule 16.3 relief is not the procedure for a ball embedded on the putting green. Instead, the player may mark the spot, lift and clean the ball, repair the damage caused by the impact, and replace the ball on its original spot under Rule 13.1c(2).