Rule 16 - Relief from AbnormalCourseConditions (Including Immovable Obstructions), DangerousAnimalCondition, Embedded Ball Purpose of Rule: Rule 16 covers when and how you may take free relief by playing a ball from a different place, such as when you have interference by an abnormalcoursecondition or a dangerousanimalcondition.
"I understand the droppings are considered a loose impediment but if they adhere to the ball on the fairway, can we clean the ball or do we have to play it as it lies?" Relief fromanimaldroppings You've found your ball in the, well, you know. What can youdo? Shirley is right thatanimalwaste is a loose impediment.
Rule 16.2 of the rules ofgolfprovides relief from dangerousanimalson thecourseA "dangerousanimalcondition" exists when a dangerousanimal(such as venomous snakes, stinging bees, alligators, fire ants or bears) near a ball could cause serious physical injury to the player if they had to play the ball as it lies.
Abnormalcoursecondition is a term that includes temporary water, ground under repair andanimalholes on thegolfcourse. Prior to 2019, it was called "abnormal ground condition." In most circumstances, a golfer is allowed to take free relief from abnormalcourseconditions. However, the golfer also has the option to play the ball as it lies.
How do I take relief from a dangerousanimalcondition? If you're not in a penalty area, you'd take relief as you would for an abnormalcoursecondition if your ball was in the general area, bunker, or putting green.
