A Recovery lie is any lie not on the fairway or green where the player cannot hit a ‘normal’ shot toward the hole. For example, in the trees with an obstructed swing or line.
Examples of ‘Recovery’ lie
A recovery lie should be whenever the player is in a situation where they cannot play a ‘normal’ shot toward the hole. For example:
Trees are blocking swing or line toward the hole.
Ball is in the trees and the player needs to chip out.
Ball is in rough that is so deep they need to hit a shorter club to safely get the ball out
Ball is in a fairway bunker and the player needs to hit a shorter club to get out, rather than hitting toward the green
Ball is in greenside trees with a tight lie. There is a clear line to the hole and nothing obstructing the players swing, but the player will need to hit over a bunker to a downhill green that runs out into the water. The Player decides to chip out sideways for a better line.
We’d categorise this as a ‘recovery’ lie condition since the player cannot hit a ‘normal’ shot toward the hole