From Nationalclubgolfer · Steve Carroll · · 1m 10s
Can I knock my golf ball out of a tree?
Golf rules clarify if you can shake a ball stuck in a tree without penalty.
In brief
Golf rules clarify if you can shake a ball stuck in a tree without penalty. A player can knock a golf ball from a tree without penalty if they intend to identify it, but must replace it or take unplayable ball relief. Originally reported by Nationalclubgolfer.
Bernhard Langer's tree shot
Bernhard Langer scaled a tree for a famous 1981 European Tour shot at Fulford.
Golf ball stuck in tree
A player can’t shake a golf ball from a tree without penalty if they intend to identify it.
Rule clarification
Rule 9.4 clarifies no penalty if a player tries to identify a ball stuck in a tree.
No penalty for identification
Players get no penalty if they accidentally dislodge a ball while identifying it.
Unplayable ball relief
Players can take unplayable ball relief after dislodging a tree ball without extra penalty.
Relief options
Players can choose stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line relief, or two club-length lateral relief.
What happens next
Players must replace the ball or take unplayable ball relief after dislodging a tree ball.
What matters most
A player can knock a golf ball from a tree without penalty if they intend to identify it, but must replace it or take unplayable ball relief.
