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Rules reminder: Dropping

Posted on 3 Nov '24 by Dave Hayden II

With bunkers out for the remainder of the season, it's worth recapping the rules around dropping.

In 2019, the USGA and R&A made a significant change to the Rules of Golf, allowing players to drop the ball from knee height instead of shoulder height. This adjustment, which took effect on January 1, 2019, was implemented to simplify the dropping process and enhance consistency across the game, making it easier for golfers to adhere to the rules.

However, Pitch and Putt Ireland have not altered their rules.

The player shall face the hole and drop the ball not nearer the hole with outstretched arm shoulder high ensuring the line of play is maintained. The arm must be outstretched directly in front of the person dropping the ball and not to either side. A dropped ball may be redropped before a stroke is played. A dropped ball, which comes to rest nearer the hole than its original position or out of bounds, shall be redropped. A ball, which cannot be dropped to a playable lie, may be placed.
Note: The line of play must not be improved.