Plugged Ball (Embedded Ball)
Rules
Explained Simply
When the ball buries into soft turf or sand (not in a bunker) after a high shot. You usually get free relief.
Example
“Your shot lands in the soft rough and buries half-deep. Under USGA rules, you get free relief from a plugged ball (drop nearest point, no closer to hole).”
Why it matters
Free relief from embedded balls in the 'general area' (fairway/rough) is allowed under current USGA rules — take it!
Common beginner mistake
Not knowing you get free relief for an embedded ball in the general area. Claim it.
Related
casual
Rules
Related
- Fried Egg LieA lie in a bunker where the ball is buried in the sand with only the top visible — like a fried egg in the center of a round crater.
- 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.