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Golf Rules and Basics All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 2 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Unplayable Ball in Golf: Options and the Bunker Scenario

If your ball is at the base of a tree, in a bush, or resting on the lip of a bunker, you may declare it unplayable. The USGA details the three relief options in the 2023 Rules and the fourth, which applies specifically to bunkers.

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USGA · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

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What the lesson shows

If you cannot, or do not want to, play your ball as it lies, you may declare it unplayable, all along the course except in a penalty area, where the penalty zone rule applies. Three options, all with a one-stroke penalty: shot and distance from the spot of the previous shot; drop behind the line extending from the hole through the ball (the ball may roll up to one club length, even forward); drop at two club lengths from the ball, no closer to the hole.

In a bunker, the same three options are available for a penalty stroke. The only difference is that with the two-club-length option or the option to drop back on the line, You must stay in the bunker. A fourth option applies only to an unplayable ball in a bunker: leave the bunker by stepping back along the line as far as you want, to two penalty kicks.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Make sure your ball is not in a penalty area.
  2. Decide to declare it unplayable.
  3. Choose between a short shot and a long shot: drop the ball behind the line connecting the hole and the ball, or drop it two club lengths away—but no closer to the hole.
  4. For the backward option, imagine a straight line from the hole to the ball, and drop the ball behind it along that line.
  5. In a bunker, with these last two options, drop the ball into the bunker.
  6. If you want to take a bunker shot, step back along the line as far as you like and take two penalty strokes.

Key Takeaways

Allowed anywhere except in a penalty area.
Three options, each with a penalty stroke.
Stroke and distance, drop behind the line connecting the hole and the ball, or drop two club lengths away.
Behind the line, the ball can roll up to one club length, even forward.
In the bunker, the "line" and "two lengths" options are played from the bunker.
Fourth option from the bunker: play the ball backward along the line, for two strokes.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Declare a ball that is in a penalty area unplayable.
  • Drop the ball closer to the hole using the two-club-length option.
  • Get out of the bunker using either the two-club-length option or the line for a single shot.
  • Forget that the ball can roll forward up to one club length from behind the line.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. When faced with a poorly placed ball, list the three options before making a decision
  2. Measure two club lengths using the longest club in the bag
  3. Visualize the hole-to-ball line before taking a step back
  4. In a bunker: Compare the two-shot option and the risky shot

Your Questions

Can a ball in the water be declared unplayable?

No. According to the USGA, relief for an unplayable ball is permitted anywhere except in a penalty area; in that case, the rules governing penalty areas apply.

Can you leave the bunker for just one penalty stroke?

No. With a penalty stroke, the options for the line and the two club lengths require the player to remain in the bunker. Only the fourth option allows the player to exit the bunker, for a two-stroke penalty.

How far back can you go on the line?

The video explains that, when exiting the bunker, you can move back along the line as far as you like.

Can the dropped ball roll toward the hole?

With the “back” option on the line, yes: she can roll up to one club length in any direction from her point of impact, including forward.

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