Embedded ball

Question
We had a situation the other day where there was a ball that was in its own pitch mark but one of the guys in the group saw the ball bounce.  Is the ball embedded in its own pitch mark if it first hit the ground, then came out of it's mark but rolled back into it?  Also, does the earth or dirt/mud have to be dented for it to be considered embedded?  

Answer
Rob,

Good question. The ball may bounce and then become embedded into it's own pitch mark. For the second inquiry, I would say yes that as long as the ball is in it's own pitch mark consider it embedded. 90% sure of that. Yes the earth has to be "dented" for the ball to be embedded.

Here is some additional information on embedded balls.

25-2. Embedded Ball

A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground in any closely mown area through the green may be lifted, cleaned and dropped, without penalty, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green. "Closely mown area" means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.

Thanks for the question,

Michael