GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
When must a golfer take free relief from a wrong green?
Under the joint R&A/USGA 2023 Rules of Golf, Rule 13.1f requires free relief if any part of the ball is on a wrong green or the green physically interferes with the intended stance or swing. The relief area is based on the nearest point of complete relief, with a one-club-length limit and complete relief required.
For Golfers whose ball, stance, or swing may be interfered with by a putting green for another hole. · Updated
The ball, stance, or swing must be affected
Interference exists if any part of the player’s ball touches a wrong green, or if a wrong green physically interferes with the player’s intended area of stance or swing. The Rule also covers a ball lying on or in something inside the edge of the wrong green.
A wrong green that is only on the line of play does not by itself create interference under Rule 13.1f. The Rule is about the ball’s position and physical interference with the intended stance or swing, subject to its limits.
Use the nearest point of complete relief
Do not play the ball as it lies when the Rule requires relief. Identify the nearest point of complete relief in the same area of the course where the original ball came to rest. The relief area extends one club-length from that reference point, must stay in the same area, must not be nearer the hole, and must give complete relief from the wrong green.
Relief is not a choice of any convenient side. If the only interference exists because the player chose a club, stance, swing, or direction that is clearly unreasonable in the circumstances, the Rule does not provide relief.
Stance-only relief can depend on a Local Rule
Model Local Rule D-3 allows a Committee to modify Rule 13.1f so relief is not required when the wrong green interferes only with the player’s stance. This option applies only if the Committee actually adopted the relevant Local Rule for the competition. Do not assume it is in effect; check the posted Terms or ask the Committee.
A fictional ball on a neighboring green
In a fictional round, a ball comes to rest on a neighboring putting green while the player is playing another hole. The player identifies the nearest point of complete relief in the same course area as the original ball, then uses a relief area no more than one club-length from that point, not nearer the hole, with complete relief from the neighboring green. In a separate stance-only situation, the player checks whether the Committee adopted Model Local Rule D-3 before concluding that relief is unavailable.
Related questions
Does a wrong green block on my line of play require relief?
Not by itself. Rule 13.1f addresses a ball on a wrong green and physical interference with the intended stance or swing, not line-of-play interference alone.
Does every golf course use the D-3 stance exception?
No. The Committee may adopt Model Local Rule D-3. Check the competition’s actual Local Rules; adoption cannot be assumed.