Confused about where—and how—to take relief after a wayward shot? The Penalty Drop Reference puts the 2025 Rules of Golf at your fingertips. Select your situation and instantly see every legal option, the exact rule citation, and the relief procedure so you can play on with confidence (and no extra strokes).

Penalty Drop Reference

Pick a rules scenario and get a concise list of every relief option plus the governing rule number.

Select Your Situation — choose one — Ball in Red Penalty Area Ball in Yellow Penalty Area Unplayable Lie (anywhere except penalty area) Out of Bounds / Lost Ball

Club has adopted Model Local Rule E-5 (lost ball/OB fairway drop)

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Relief Options

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Why Knowing Your Relief Options Matters

Mishits happen—even on good swings. The real score-killer is adding unnecessary strokes because you don’t know every drop you’re entitled to take. Understanding relief options lets you:

• Save strokes by choosing the most advantageous drop location.
• Speed up play with quick, rules-compliant decisions.
• Avoid penalties for taking relief incorrectly.

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What the Tool Shows

Output	Meaning	Stroke Penalty
Stroke-and-distance	Replay from previous spot	1 stroke (or re-tee under local rules)
Back-on-the-line	Keep reference point between you & hole, drop on the line	1 stroke
Lateral relief	Two club-length semicircle from reference point, no nearer the hole	1 stroke
MLR E-5 Fairway	Drop in designated fairway area instead of replaying shot	2 strokes

Each option is accompanied by a rule number so you can verify wording in the Official Guide.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Identify your situation: Is the ball in a penalty area, unplayable, or out of bounds?
2. Select it in the dropdown to reveal all permissible relief options.
3. (If applicable) Tick the MLR E-5 box if your committee has adopted the OB/lost-ball fairway rule.
4. Read each option and pick the one that gives you the best angle, lie, or yardage.
5. Proceed to drop using normal dropping procedure (Rule 14).

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Example

Scenario

• Your tee shot sails into a red penalty area left of the fairway.
• You determine the last point crossed and open the tool.

The tool returns

• Stroke-and-distance (Rule 17.1d(1))
• Back-on-the-line (Rule 17.1d(2))
• Lateral within two club-lengths (Rule 17.1d(3))

You see that lateral relief lets you drop on a flat, short-cut fringe—much better than a muddy back-on-the-line drop. One quick tap on the shoulder for your playing partner to confirm the reference point, and you’re back in play without confusion.

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Tips for On-Course Use

• Bookmark the page on your phone home screen so it’s one tap away.
• Confirm reference points with a fellow player or referee to avoid disputes.
• Carry a small tape measure or use your driver shaft (~45″) for quick club-length checks.
• Know local rules—especially MLR E-5—before the round starts.

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Limitations

• The tool summarizes standard options only; unusual local rules (e.g., environmentally sensitive areas) are not covered.
• Relief procedures (measuring the relief area, dropping from knee height, etc.) are not shown—see Rule 14 for details.
• Always defer to a certified rules official in competition. This tool is a quick reference, not a governing authority.