Local Rule 9 – Embedded Ball: Through the Green, a ball that is embedded in its own pitch mark in the ground, other than in a bunker, may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it lay but no nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green. Exception: A player may not obtain relief under this Local Rule if it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke because of interference by anything other than the condition covered by this Local Rule.
When a ball is embedded in the general area, free relief may be taken. The reference point for taking relief is the spot directly behind where the ball is embedded. A ball must be dropped in and come to rest in the relief area.