Ground Under Repair (GUR)
Course Areas
Explained Simply
An area of the course that is damaged, being worked on, or officially marked as off-limits for play — usually outlined with white paint or a sign. You get free relief.
Example
“A section of the rough has a white painted circle and a 'GUR' sign. Your ball rolls in. Take a free drop at the nearest point of complete relief, no closer to the hole.”
Why it matters
GUR gives you free relief so you're not penalized for course maintenance. Always check for signage — some GUR areas are easy to miss.
Common beginner mistake
Playing from GUR when you could take a free drop. GUR is not a penalty area — it's a course courtesy.
Related
casual
Course Areas
Related
- Free ReliefTaking a drop without a penalty stroke — allowed when your ball is in or near certain conditions like casual water, ground under repair, or a cart path.
- DropThe official way to put a new ball into play after a penalty or when taking relief. You hold the ball at knee height and let it fall straight down.
- Local RuleAn extra rule a specific course or committee adds for its own conditions — printed on the scorecard or posted near the first tee — on top of the standard Rules of Golf.