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remove animal from golf ball

My ball is covered in animal droppings – can I get relief?

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Scottie Scheffler of the United States speaks to rules official on the 17th hole on day four of the The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 19, 2026 in Southport, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

I understand the Rules of Golf. That doesn’t mean I have to agree with them

A frustrated golfer swing their club on the course | Source: Adobe Stock

What is the general penalty in golf?

Staked trees bound by ribbon | Source: Adobe Stock

Can you take relief from a staked tree in a penalty area?

Shaun Norris of South Africa reacts on the 1st green on day four of the Nexo Championship 2026 at Trump International Golf Links on August 23, 2026 in Balmedie, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker/Getty Images)

Why did this tour pro get a penalty for moving a divot?

Golfers pushing trolleys on a golf course | Source: Adobe Stock can I get relief if a trolley moves my ball

My playing partner ran over my ball with their trolley – am I allowed relief?

A golfer prepares to take a shot | Source: Adobe Stock ball moved golf rule

I’m not sure if my ball moved – do I get a penalty?

Scottie Scheffler had an unfortunate break at the FedEx St Jude Championship | Source: Getty Images scottie scheffler hits sprinkler head

Can I get relief if my ball hits a sprinkler head?

A golfer putts from the fringe | Source: Adobe Stock

Is the fringe part of the green?

Cracks in the ground at a golf club | Source: NCG

Can I get relief from cracks in the ground?

What happens if your ball is eaten by a fish? | Source: Adobe Stock Charl Schwartzel

Did Charl Schwartzel have to take a penalty after a fish took his ball?

A golfer looks for a ball that appears lost | Source: Adobe Stock

Where can I drop if my ball is lost in ground under repair?

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Staked trees bound by ribbon | Source: Adobe Stock

Can you take relief from a staked tree in a penalty area?

Scottie Scheffler had an unfortunate break at the FedEx St Jude Championship | Source: Getty Images scottie scheffler hits sprinkler head

Can I get relief if my ball hits a sprinkler head?

Shaun Norris of South Africa reacts on the 1st green on day four of the Nexo Championship 2026 at Trump International Golf Links on August 23, 2026 in Balmedie, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker/Getty Images)

Why did this tour pro get a penalty for moving a divot?

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Scottie Scheffler of the United States speaks to rules official on the 17th hole on day four of the The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 19, 2026 in Southport, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

I understand the Rules of Golf. That doesn’t mean I have to agree with them

golf club limit rule

Why can we only carry up to 14 clubs?

What happens if your ball is eaten by a fish? | Source: Adobe Stock Charl Schwartzel

Did Charl Schwartzel have to take a penalty after a fish took his ball?

MALELANE, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 05: Golf balls are seen on the practice facilitates prior to the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek Country Club on December 05, 2023 in Malelane, South Africa. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

Can I get away with playing a ball that was out of bounds?

can you flatten grass out of bounds | Source: Adobe Stock

Can I flatten grass that is out of bounds?

Cracks in the ground at a golf club | Source: NCG

Can I get relief from cracks in the ground?

A golfer putts from the fringe | Source: Adobe Stock

Is the fringe part of the green?

anchoring

Nothing riles fans more – but what exactly is anchoring?