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No play zone in general area - When relief must be taken
In each of these situations, when your ball is in the general area, your ball must not be played as it lies:
  • If your ball is in a no play zone that is in an abnormal course condition, you must take relief under Rule 16.1b.
DIAGRAM 16.1b: FREE RELIEF FROM ABNORMAL COURSE CONDITION IN GENERAL AREA
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  • Free relief is allowed when the ball is in the general area and there is interference by an abnormal course condition.
  • The nearest point of complete relief should be identified and a ball must be dropped in and come to rest in the relief area.
  • The relief area is one club-length from the reference point, is not nearer to the hole than the reference point and must be in the general area.
  • When taking relief, the player must take complete relief from all interference by the abnormal course condition.
  • If your ball is outside a no play zone and a no play zone (whether in an abnormal course condition or in a penalty area) interferes with your area of intended stance or area of intended swing. You must either take relief under Rule 16.1 or, take unplayable ball relief under Rule 19.
Related Rule - 16.1f