Knocking a shot into the trees is frustrating enough.
Discovering that your ball is wedged up against the trunk of the tree and preventing you from hitting any sort of shot is even worse.
But here is a lesson in keeping your wits about you and using the rules to your advantage.
In this USGA video it explains how you can get free relief.
It needs a few things to go your way, but it’s worth remembering.
As the narrator explains: “After an errant shot out to the right you find yourself in a tough spot where playing a normal right handed shot isn’t ideal.
“So you decide to punch one back into play using a left handed swing.
“And in doing so you’re now standing on the cart path.
“Can you take relief from the cart path?”
It seems too good to be true but guess what?
The answer is an emphatic: “Yes.”
As the narrator says: “Because using an abnormal swing does not preclude you from taking relief as long as the stroke you’re trying to take is not unreasonable.
“To take relief you’re going to find the nearest point of complete relief from a left handed swing.
“From that point of relief you can take a one club length relief area to drop the ball in.
“Here’s the best part.
“After completing the procedrue you’re free to use a right handed swing.”
It feels like cheating but it’s all part of the rules!
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