free drop

Question
If taking a free drop (cart path, casual water, etc) if you drop the ball and it rolls closer to the hole or you are still standing  on what you took the drop from, is there a rule that after 3 drops, you get to place the ball?

Answer
Hey Kyle,

I have some experience with this...from earlier in the week!

I bounced a ball off of a slope beside a green and it fell into the water hazard during locals for the US Open. I dropped the ball twice and each time it rolled into the water. After that, I placed the ball.

This is the rule anytime you are in a situation where you are dropping. If it rolls back into the hazard, back into ground under repair, onto a cart path, etc., you drop twice then place the ball in the area you were trying to drop it.

Thanks for the question. Good luck and have fun out there.

John