Full Definition
Abnormal Course Conditions (ACC) as defined in Rule 16 include: casual water (temporary accumulation of water visible before or after taking your stance), ground under repair (marked blue), immovable obstructions (man-made objects like cart paths or sprinkler heads), and animal holes. Free relief is taken from the nearest point of complete relief within one club-length. The condition must interfere with your lie, stance, or area of intended swing—not merely your line of play.
See How Abnormal Course Condition Affects YOUR Swing — In Real Time
GOATY AI watches your swing live through your camera, speaks coaching cues in your ear while you swing, and measures the exact biomechanics — including abnormal course condition — that determine your ball-striking quality.
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GOATY tip: If you are unsure whether water qualifies as casual water, press your foot down next to the ball. If water seeps up around your foot, it is casual water and you get free relief. Book a free live lesson to see your own abnormal course condition data in real time during your practice session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Abnormal Course Condition in golf?
Conditions like casual water, animal holes, or ground under repair that allow free relief under the Rules.
Why does abnormal course condition matter for scoring?
Abnormal Course Conditions (ACC) as defined in Rule 16 include: casual water (temporary accumulation of water visible before or after taking your stance), ground under repair (marked blue), immovable obstructions (man-made objects like cart paths or sprinkler heads), and animal h...
How can I improve my abnormal course condition?
GOATY tip: If you are unsure whether water qualifies as casual water, press your foot down next to the ball. If water seeps up around your foot, it is casual water and you get free relief. GOATY AI measures your abnormal course condition in real time during live practice sessions — giving you instant feedback without needing to film and review video after the fact.
What is a good abnormal course condition for an amateur golfer?
The benchmark is the GOAT Model — elite swing mechanics scored at 97.3. GOATY AI shows you exactly how your abnormal course condition compares to this elite standard and coaches you toward it session by session.