How Golf Relief from a Wrong Green Works Explainer
A wrong green is any putting green on the course other than the green for the hole being played, including a normal green when a temporary green is in use. A player is not allowed to strike a ball as it lies when the wrong green interferes.
Interference exists if any part of the ball touches the wrong green or if that green physically interferes with the player's intended stance or swing. The line of play alone does not create relief, so a wrong green between the ball and target is not enough by itself.
Relief is free but mandatory. The player identifies the nearest point of complete relief in the same area of the course where the ball rests, then drops the original ball or another ball within one club-length, no nearer the hole, where all interference is removed.
Because the stance counts, the nearest legal spot may be farther from the edge than expected. Playing from the wrong green without taking relief brings the general penalty: loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. The rule protects specially prepared putting surfaces from full swings.
No. Complete relief is mandatory when the wrong green interferes.
No. The ball, intended stance, or intended swing must be physically affected.
No. The prescribed drop is free relief.
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