Definition: Point of Maximum Available Relief

The reference point for taking free relief from an abnormal course condition in a bunker (Rule 16.1c) or on the putting green (Rule 16.1d) when there is no nearest point of complete relief.

It is the estimated point where the ball would lie that is:

Nearest to the ball's original spot, but not nearer the hole than that spot,
In the required area of the course, and
Where that abnormal course condition least interferes with the stroke the player would have made from the original spot if the condition was not there.

Estimating this reference point requires the player to identify the choice of club, stance, swing and line of play the player would have used for that stroke.

The player does not need to simulate that stroke by taking an actual stance and swinging with the chosen club (but it is recommended that the player normally do this to help in making an accurate estimate).

The point of maximum available relief is found by comparing the relative amount of interference with the lie of the ball and the player's area of intended stance and swing and, on the putting green only, the line of play. For example, when taking relief from temporary water:

The point of maximum available relief may be where the ball will be in shallower water than where the player will stand (affecting the stance more than the lie and swing), or where the ball is in deeper water than where the player will stand (affecting the lie and swing more than the stance).
On the putting green, the point of maximum available relief may be based on the line of play where the ball will need to go through the shallowest or shortest stretch of temporary water.