Relief for an embedded ball

Under Rule 16.3, a plugged ball in the general area (fairway, rough, etc., but not bunkers or penalty areas) allows for free relief; you can drop a ball within one club-length, no closer to the hole, from the spot right behind where it's embedded, and can lift and clean the ball. If embedded on the putting green, you can simply lift, clean, and replace it. Relief is generally not allowed if embedded in sand in the general area unless a local rule permits it. 

How to Take Relief (General Area)

1. Identify the Spot: Determine the spot directly behind where your ball is embedded in its own pitch mark, with part of the ball below ground level.
2. Mark & Lift: Mark the spot, then lift your ball (you can clean it).
3. Establish Relief Area: Create a relief area that is one club-length from your reference spot, ensuring it's in the general area and not nearer the hole.
4. Drop: Drop the ball within this relief area; it's in play once it comes to rest. 

Key Points

• Definition: A ball is embedded if it's in its own pitch-mark and part of it is below ground.
• General Area: Relief applies anywhere in the general area (rough, fairway), but usually not in sand.
• Putting Green: If plugged on the green, you can lift, clean, repair the mark, and replace.
• No Penalty: Relief is free (no penalty stroke).