March 2022
Rule 16.2 Dangerous Animal Condition
Rule 16.2a When relief is allowed
A “dangerous animal condition” exists when a dangerous animal (such as poisonous snakes, stinging bees, alligators, fire ants, bears, and rutting deer) near the ball could cause serious physical injury to the player if he or she had to play the ball as it lies.
A player may take relief under Rules 16.2b from interference by a dangerous animal condition no matter where his or her ball lies on the course, except that relief is not allowed:
• When playing the ball as it lies is clearly unreasonable because of something other than the dangerous animal condition (for example the player is unable to make a stroke because of where the ball lies in a bush), or
• When interference exists only because the player chooses a club, type of stance or swing or direction of play that is clearly unreasonable under the circumstances.
Rule 16.2b Relief for Dangerous Animal Condition
Free relief is allowed One Club Length from the Nearest Point of Complete Relief, not nearer the hole, in the area where the ball lies (General Area, Bunker, Putting Green, or Penalty Area). For the purposes of this rule, the nearest point of complete relief means the nearest point (not nearer the hole) where the dangerous animal condition does not exist. This may not be possible in the Penalty Area and, if that is the case, the player must take Penalty Relief in the usual way.
