Embedded Rock Rule

CTGA implemented an Embedded Rock Rule several years ago as we encountered a number of courses had rocks embedded in the ground that cannot be moved away as loose impediment. The spirit of this rule is to avoid, as much as possible, body injury and/or golf club damage and not as a sole means to improve one's ball position. The rule is as follows and all players in CTGA events are encouraged to implement it as needed and do so correctly.

Embedded Rock Rule
If a ball lies on or close to an embedded rock, within the fairway or rough, but not in a marked hazard, and it is felt that during the swing, the clubhead or struck ball will make contact with the embedded rock, the player may take nearest relief (with no penalty) away from the embedded rock, no closer to the hole.

Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his/her intention to fellow competitors. The Spirit of the rule must be agreed on by at least two (2) players in the foursome other than the affected player that Embedded Rock Relief is necessary and where relief distance should be taken. Relief will be taken by marking the spot where the ball originally came to rest, then replacing the ball at the nearest relief point free from the embedded rock(s), no closer to the hole. Embedded rocks that affect a player's stance but not his/her swing do not warrant embedded rock relief.

Movable rocks (loose impediments) are not considered embedded and may be moved at the player's discretion, realizing that if the ball moves as a result of moving a loose impediment, a penalty of one stroke is incurred and the player must replace the ball in it's original spot.

Embedded rock relief does not apply within marked hazards. If the player elects to take relief from rocks within a hazard area, he/she must declare the ball unplayable and take relief using Rule 28, Ball Unplayable.

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