Xander Schauffele had a choice to make. During the Zozo Championship last year, his ball found itself wedged against a stubborn tree root. Rather than take a penalty drop, he attempted to muscle it out—not once, but twice—only to fail both times. The result? A quadruple-bogey disaster and a self-deprecating admission; “I was an idiot.” It’s a situation every golfer dreads.
You step up, convinced you can pull off the impossible, only to be humbled by nature’s obstacles. But what should you actually do when your ball is trapped against a tree root? Can you get relief, or are you stuck playing it as it lies? Let’s break it down into five key points.
1. The Standard Rule – Play It as It Lies
For the most part, if your ball lands on or near a tree root, the rules say you must play it as it lies. Just like a tree trunk or a divot, a root is considered part of the course. Unfortunately, that means no automatic free relief.
If you decide the shot is too risky—whether for your club’s sake or your own—you do have an alternative. You can declare the ball unplayable, take a one-stroke penalty, drop within two club lengths, replay from your last shot, or drop further back while keeping the original spot between you and the hole.
2. The Local Rule Exception – Free Relief in Certain Cases
While the standard rule is to play it as it lies, some courses or tournaments adopt a special local rule to help players out. Under Model Local Rule F-9, exposed tree roots in the fairway (or within a set distance of it) may be treated as Ground Under Repair (GUR). If this rule is in place, you can take free relief under Rule 16.1b, allowing you to drop within one club length of the nearest relief point without penalty.
However, this rule does not usually apply in the rough. So, if your ball is buried in roots off the fairway, you’re likely out of luck.
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 26: Xander Schauffele during the third round of the 2023 Tour Championship on August 26, 2023 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 26 PGA, Golf Herren – TOUR Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon23082647
3. Safety First – Should You Risk the Shot?
Just because you can hit the shot doesn’t always mean you should. Tree roots can be unforgiving, not just for your clubs but for your hands and wrists as well. Striking a root at full force can send painful vibrations up your arms or even cause serious injury.
If the ball is sitting directly on a thick root, think twice before swinging away. Instead of taking a risky shot, consider using the unplayable ball rule. Yes, it costs a stroke, but it could save your club—and your health.
4. The Fairness Debate – Should the Rule Change?
Many golfers argue that if relief is given for divots or temporary water, tree roots should also qualify—especially in the fairway. Others believe that playing around natural obstacles is part of golf’s unique challenge.
While Model Local Rule F-9 provides a solution, it is up to individual golf courses or tournament organizers to enforce it. Unless tree root relief becomes an official rule across the board, you’ll have to check with your course before assuming you get a free drop.
5. How to Avoid Tree Root Trouble
Since free relief isn’t always an option, the best strategy is to stay out of trouble in the first place. Here are a few ways to avoid tricky root situations:
Smart Tee Shots: If a hole has lots of trees and roots, consider using a club with more control, like a hybrid or long iron, instead of a driver.
Course Knowledge: Learn where tree roots tend to be an issue at your home course and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Controlled Chipping: If you must play off a root, use a short iron or wedge with a light, controlled swing to avoid injury.
Know When to Take a Drop: If the risk is too high, take an unplayable lie and move on with minimal damage to your score.
Tree roots are one of golf’s tougher hazards, and in most cases, free relief isn’t granted. Unless a local rule is in effect, you’ll need to either play the ball as it lies or take a penalty drop. Knowing the rules and making smart choices can help protect your score, your clubs, and even your hands. So next time you find your ball near a root, consider your options carefully and play it safe. And if you’re ever unsure about a ruling, be sure to check with a rules official or your course’s local guidelines—because sometimes, a smart drop is the difference between saving your round and carding a quadruple-bogey!
The post Golf Rules 101: Can You Get Free Relief if Your Ball Is Stuck On Tee Roots? appeared first on EssentiallySports.
