# 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.
- Title: Can I knock my golf ball out of a tree? · Nationalclubgolfer
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: golf, rules, unplayable ball, tree, golf ball, relief, golf rules, sports, knock, ball, Nationalclubgolfer
- Source: Nationalclubgolfer — https://nationalclubgolfer.com/rules/golf-ball-stuck-in-a-tree
- Author: Steve Carroll
- Published: 2026-10-07T15:57:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: golf, rules, unplayable ball, tree, golf ball, relief, golf rules, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.