Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A relief area is the area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. Its size and limits depend on the relief option, often measured from a reference point by one or two club-lengths, with restrictions such as not nearer the hole.
How it matters in match play
Relief Area is a Rules of Golf procedure, not a match-play scoring term. In a match, Alex and Ben must apply the same relief procedure when a Rule allows it, and a ball must normally be dropped in and come to rest in the correct area. If a player plays from the wrong place, the match-play consequence can be loss of hole unless the mistake is corrected in time under the Rules.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Relief Area |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf Rule 14.3; Rule 16.1 |
| Related concepts | Drop, Free Relief, Nearest Point of Complete Relief, Back-on-the-Line Relief, Wrong Place |
Worked example
Alex's ball is in the general area beside ground under repair. The nearest point of complete relief is 4 metres from the hole, so Alex drops within one club-length of that point, not nearer the hole, and the ball comes to rest inside the relief area.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 14.3; Rule 16.1
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How big is a relief area in golf?
The size depends on the Rule and relief option. Common relief procedures use one club-length, while some options use two; the relevant Rule also sets limits such as not nearer the hole. A club-length is measured with the longest club in the player's bag other than the putter.
Does the ball have to finish inside the relief area?
Yes. When a Rule requires a drop, the ball must be dropped correctly and come to rest in the relief area. If it comes to rest outside, the player follows the re-drop and placing procedure in Rule 14.3c before playing it.
Is a relief area the same as the nearest point of complete relief?
No. The nearest point of complete relief is usually the reference point. The relief area is the permitted area measured from that point, subject to the limits in the applicable Rule. Back-on-the-line relief uses a different reference procedure.
Can a player choose any club to measure the relief area?
No. The club-length is based on the longest club in the player's bag other than the putter, so the player cannot select a club strategically to enlarge the area.
Does Relief Area have a special match-play meaning?
No. It has the same Rules of Golf meaning in match play and stroke play. Match play changes how a breach is settled, but it does not change the definition of the relief area.
What happens if a player plays from outside the relief area?
The consequences depend on what went wrong and whether the mistake is corrected before the next stroke. Rule 14.3 and Rule 14.7 govern the procedure and penalty; players should ask the Committee or referee when the facts are uncertain.