What does “dropping” mean in golf?
The verb dropper comes from English to drop, “drop.” In golf, this is the rule-compliant way to put a ball back into play when taking relief: you don’t place it; you drop it in a specific area called clearance zone. The procedure is described in Rule 14.3 of the Rules of Golf.
How do you drop a ball according to the Rules?
- Locate the reference point determined by the applicable rule (for example, the nearest point of complete relief, or the spot where the ball crossed the boundary of a penalty area).
- Mark the clearance zone: one or two club lengths, as per the rule, never closer to the hole than the reference point. The club length is measured using the longest club in the bag, excluding the putter.
- Choosing a Ball: You may use either the original ball or another ball on each drop.
- Do it yourself: The player releases the ball from knee height while standing. It must fall vertically, without being thrown or given any spin, and must not touch the player or the player's equipment before hitting the ground.
- Check where it stops: The ball must land in the clearance zone and come to rest there.
If it rolls out of the area, we roll again. If it rolls out again, we place at the spot where it touched the ground on the second drop. An incorrectly executed drop (such as dropping the ball too high) must be repeated without penalty as long as the ball has not been played; playing the ball results in a penalty.
In what situations should you drop out?
| Location | Penalty | Clearance Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Course under repair, temporary water, immovable obstruction (general area) | None | One club length from the nearest point of full relief |
| Ball embedded in its own impact area (general area) | None | A club length just behind the ball |
| Ball on a bad green | None (mandatory clearance) | One club length from the nearest point of full relief |
| Ball in the penalty area | 1 shot | Back on the line, or two club lengths to the side if the area is red |
| Unplayable ball | 1 shot | Two club lengths to the side, or back along the line |
| Ball unplayable in a bunker; relief from the bunker | 2 shots | Back on the line, out of the bunker |
What about a stray ball or a ball that goes out of bounds?
You don't drop the ball where it disappeared. The rule is that stroke and distance: a penalty stroke, and play resumes from the spot of the previous stroke (by dropping the ball if that stroke was played outside the teeing area). A ball is considered lost if it is not found within the three minutes in competition. The only exception: some clubs have a local rule that allows players, in friendly matches, to drop the ball near the spot where it was lost, subject to a two-stroke penalty. This rule is not permitted in high-level competitions.
What Changed in 2019
- Drop-off is at knee height, rather than at shoulder height with the arm extended.
- The ball must come to a stop in the clearance zone, whereas previously you had to re-drop the ball based on a list of specific situations (the ball rolled too far, was closer to the hole, etc.).
- “Water obstacles” have become penalty areas, marked in yellow or red.
- The clearance zone is measured using the longest club, excluding the putter.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Dropping the Ball in Golf
At what height should you drop the ball?
Since 2019, at knee height, while standing. The ball must fall vertically and must not touch the player or the player's equipment before hitting the ground.
What should you do if the dropped ball goes outside the relief area?
Drop it a second time. If it comes out again, place it where it hit the ground during the second drop.
Can you change the ball when you're dropping it?
Yes. When you break free, you can drop the original ball or another ball each time you drop it.
How long should a club be for a dropper shot?
This is the length of the longest club in your bag, excluding the putter—usually the driver. Depending on the rule being applied, the relief area measures one or two club lengths.