Stupid Golf Question
What is a free drop?
Your ball is on a cart path and someone says you get relief
Plain answer first
The plain answer
A free drop means you can move your ball without adding a penalty stroke, usually because something abnormal is interfering.
The NPG answer
Golf occasionally admits the course is being weird and lets you move the ball. Enjoy the rare mercy.
When it matters
It matters for things like cart paths, ground under repair, temporary water, or certain man-made obstructions.
What to do next
Ask your group what relief is allowed, find the nearest legal relief area, and drop there without moving closer to the hole.
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