Abnormal Conditions: every golf player is mentally asking what the difference is between this and a penalty area. The difference is that these are unmarked areas of off terrain. Depending on where you are located, the age of the course, and even the daily weather determines these conditions. However, every player will come across abnormal condition: no matter the form they take.

What Counts?

Abnormal Conditions are a set of rules in golf that are slightly debatable. These are the rules which tend to fluctuate depending on your region and various other factors. Some top ones are:

• Animal Holes: any hole which has been dug by an animal such as a snake or groundhog. It can be the dirt from their digging, the hole itself, a track, or anything that resulted from them.
• Ground Repair: this is part of the course deemed under repair by either Committee or Groundskeeper. It will most likely be marked but there are instances otherwise. It includes piles of leave, pipes, dirt in the area, and other issues where the ground is not completely level due to human work.
• Immovable Obstructions: this is a bit more complicated. Depending on the play you are in, recreation or tournament, will determine your course of action. Before play, you can ask if there is an immovable object along the course. Another option is to ask someone on the committee or at the club if you stubble across it during play. However, it has to be completely immovable. For example, a column. Whereas, it cannot be a moveable sign, for instance.
• Temporary Water: this is exactly as it sounds. It’s water that has been accumulated through a heavy amount of rain. Snow, ice, and other loose impediments would fall under this. As would a large puddle. However, dew and frost do not count as it does not impede the ball.

If you are attempting to determine if something falls under an abnormal golf condition, just think through three things: has it been added by man, animal, or nature. It must have been added by those methods, yet still be temporary, to be considered abnormal.

When does it impact your Play?

This rule exception affects you when your ball is in the Abnormal Condition, it’s touching the Condition, or it interferes with your stance and swing. Obviously, this makes the conditions a bit murky. Someone could call Abnormal Condition for a small pile of snow. It could be impeding the ball or it could be someone attempting to adjust their play. This is one of those moments of golf that rely on the trustworthiness of their players. It would be simple to take advantage of conditions. Yet, there are moments when this is a legitimate issue.

In area of the southwest, for example, there are many animals that could interfere with the grounds. Or a ball could land in near an animal dwelling that, for safety reasons, it is better to stay away from. In the north, you would have large patches of snow and ice that affect play after winter. And rain is a universal obstacle. There are legitimate moments of Abnormal Conditions. Moments where players need to understand how to maneuverer around the area.

What to Do, What to Do?

This is where the rules begin to clear. There is no penalty if your ball is considered in this condition. It is an obstacle that no one could have foreseen, is not part of a penalty area, and will clearly impact the player. The lack of a penalty stroke is what allows for many to claim Abnormal Conditions falsely. Yet, in the times when it is a problem, there are a few steps to take:

• Mark your ball with a golf tee. This allows you to pick up your ball and ensure there is no damage or to wipe it down.
• Identify the closest area where you are no longer impeded by the hazard. It must not be closer to the hole. You can move to the left, to the right, and backward but no closer. This is also to remain in line with the flag.
• Mark the point of relief with a tee
• Drop the ball from knee height within one club length of that area. This is an oddly specific rule and yet it is there to ensure that no one adjusts the actual location of their ball.
• If the ball moves back into the Abnormal Condition, by rolling, or moves closer to the hole then you are to drop it again. If it does it again, you may physically place the ball down where it first hits upon releasing at knee heigh. This is the most complicated part of the rule. It’s also what prevents many from claiming Abnormal Condition falsely.

Think of it like this, by dropping it twice you are showing that the ball is not being purposefully placed closer. It is a show of good faith. Odd: but necessary.

What about Bunkers?

Those pesky bunkers. They can have Abnormal Conditions as well. Most of the time, it will be standing water. However, many an animal likes to dig around in the sand. No matter the cause, the same rules apply with one simple addition: stay in the bunker. You cannot go outside of the bunker for this and still claim Abnormal Condition. If you go outside, then it would be citing a Penalty Drop.

The single exception is for flooding. If the sand-trap is completely flooded out by water, then you may move your ball outside of it. This option, though, means that there is still a possibility of a one-stroke penalty. You will have to consult with your course Professional, as it may fall under Ground Repair: due to being flooded out.

Persnickety Putting Greens

The same rules apply for a putting green with a slight exception: the relief must be either on the green or general play area, such as the fringe or fairway. Again, most common will be standing water or some form of immovable object, having fallen during a storm. Steps are the same, just mind your area.

I Lost the Ball

Here is another point of contention. If the ball is lost in an Abnormal Condition, then you can take relief without penalty. This is so long as it is not in a marked Penalty Area. To gain relief, you will use the estimated point where the ball crossed into the abnormal course condition and find the nearest point clear of it. This must, again, be no closer to the green. If the ball is found later and you have already taken a drop then there is a three minute time window under Rule 18.2. If the ball was deemed lost and unplayable within that timeframe then the original ball is forfeit.

Complicated but Easy

Really, abnormal golf conditions are about common sense and fair play. You are stating that the area has a condition which would unfairly impact play. This is why it gains no penalty. It is to be used in those strange circumstances where the outside world is affecting the course. Follow the outlines steps, remember the reasons for conditions, and off you go!