How to determine relief when getting a free drop

[scbelowpar]

The other day I was trying to explain to my wife about taking relief from a sprinkler head.  The more I explained, the more I confused myself.  (not hard to do).  So with that in mind, I want to ask what defines the area I can take relief.

Scenario: Ball lands on a sprinkler head in the middle of the fairway.  I am right handed.  I can either drop the ball to the left of the sprinkler or the right. 

Option 1:  If I stand to the right of the sprinkler (assume the heals of my shoes are 6 inches to the right of the sprinkler), do I mark where the club head sits and then measure out 2 club lengths from there and take my drop inside this area? Or do I start the 2 club length measurement from some other spot?

Option 2:  If I stand to the left of the sprinkler, I could place the ball 6 inches to the left of the sprinkler as the sprinkler would not interfere with my stance or swing.  Do I then measure 2 club lengths from the spot of the ball, going to the left and take my drop inside this area?  Or do I start the 2 club length measurement from some other spot?

 

Thanks.

[cnosil]

First you should understand nearest point of complete relief 

https://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-clarifications/rules-and-clarifications.html#!ruletype=fr&section=rule&rulenum=16

nearest relief for the scenario you described would be behind or left of the sprinkler; see rule 16.1b for relief description

https://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-clarifications/rules-and-clarifications.html#!ruletype=fr&section=rule&rulenum=16

from there you get one (1) club length for free relief from where the ball would be if you didn’t have interference.  2 lengths is only for a penalty drop 

Edited August 5 by cnosil

[scbelowpar]

Thank you for these links.  This helps a great deal.  I didn't realize that penalty relief is two club lengths and regular relief is only one.  I learned something new today.

[DaveP043]

1 hour ago, scbelowpar said:

Thank you for these links.  This helps a great deal.  I didn't realize that penalty relief is two club lengths and regular relief is only one.  I learned something new today.

Two clublengths are only available for Lateral Relief from a Red Penalty Area, or for Lateral Relief for an Unplayable Ball.  See Rules 17.1d(3) and 19.2c.  

[Steven coffman]

No worries, happens to the best of us! Relief is from the nearest point of complete relief, so wherever you can stand comfortably and avoid the sprinkler. Measure one club length in any direction (not closer to the hole) to create your drop zone. Lefty or righty, doesn't matter!