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What is the rule if I hit a ball in a flower bed on a golf course. Many times around a green there is an area decorated with flowers and ornamental shrubs. If I hit a ball in that area do I get a free lift. I can not find any rule that specificly explains this.
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Such a situation can come under Rule 33 – The Committee . The Committee is in charge of making and enforcing local rules which cannot conflict or override the Rules of Golf as accepted by the R&A and the USGA. Most courses have a local rule for flower beds, plantings and ornamental shrubs. There is relief without penalty. In some cases you may take a legal drop so long as you are fully clear of the condition which gives you relief or the Committee may designate a given drop area.
According to the rules of golf you would just play it as it lies – the flowers are an integral part of the course. However many courses will have a local rule that you do get a free drop out of flower beds, or newly planted trees simply because they don’t want those areas damaged. If that is the case it should be stated on the scorecard under “local rules”. If nothing is posted then just play it, or take an unplayable lie.
It is the same as ground under repair, you get relief, free drop to nearest point of relief no nearer the hole, no penalty. good luck