what are the rules for unplayable ball in golf

Here’s the Rule: Rule -28 USGA

.ORG The player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the course, except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.

Full Answer

What is an unplayable ball in golf?

Rule 19 - Unplayable Ball. Purpose of Rule: Rule 19 covers the player’s several relief options for an unplayable ball. This allows the player to choose which option to use – normally with one penalty stroke – to get out of a difficult situation anywhere on the course (except in a penalty area).

What is the rule for unplayable lies in golf?

In the rulebook in effect from Jan. 1, 2019, going forward, unplayable lies are covered under Rule 19, Unplayable Ball. Under the heading "You May Decide to Take Unplayable Ball Relief Anywhere Except Penalty Area," the rule states this: "You are the only person who may decide to treat your ball as unplayable.

What to do if your ball is unplayable in golf?

If your ball is in a penalty area, your only relief option is to take relief under the penalty area Rule. When you decide that your ball is unplayable, you have three relief options, all for one penalty stroke. Your first option is to go back to the spot of your previous stroke and play again (stroke and distance relief).

What is Rule 19-unplayable ball?

Rule 19 - Unplayable Ball Purpose of Rule: Rule 19 covers the player’s several relief options for an unplayable ball. This allows the player to choose which option to use – normally with one penalty stroke – to get out of a difficult situation anywhere on the course (except in a penalty area).

How many penalty strokes Does an unplayable ball have?

one-stroke penaltyIf you find your ball in play, but in a circumstance where you are not able to make a swing or advance the ball, then you are always entitled to claim an unplayable lie. Under this rule, you incur a one-stroke penalty, but are permitted to take relief from your troubling situation.

When can you deem your ball unplayable?

Whether a Ball Is 'Unplayable' Is Solely Up to Golfer to Decide. Fact is, a golfer can declare any ball unplayable, at any time, for any reason, and anywhere on the course other than in a penalty area (a water hazard or any other area marked with red stakes or yellow stakes). The penalty is one stroke.

What are the options for an unplayable lie in golf?

An unplayable lie can be declared anywhere on the golf course at any time, except in a water hazard. An unplayable lie can even be declared in a bunker, allowing a player to take a drop inside the bunker for a one-stroke penalty or take the ball out of the bunker for a two-stroke penalty.

Do you take a stroke for an unplayable?

a. The player may take unplayable ball relief for one penalty stroke under any of the options in Rule 19.2, except that: The ball must be dropped.

Do you get free relief from a tree?

No you do not always get relief from a staked tree. You will get relief from the stakes if they interfere with the lie of the ball, your stance or area of intended swing. Stakes are an immovable obstruction whereas a tree is a tree.

Do you get relief from a plugged ball?

Within the rules of golf a plugged lie is known as an embedded ball. The good news is that unless you are in a bunker or penalty area, you do now get relief without penalty.

Can you take an unplayable lie anywhere?

The player is the only person who can decide that their ball is unplayable, and this can be done anywhere on the golf course except when your ball lies in a penalty area. If your ball is in a penalty area, your only relief option is to take relief under the penalty area Rule.

What if nearest point of relief is unplayable?

A player must drop within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, on whichever side of the path that is – even if it would mean dropping into an unplayable lie in a hedge or bush. If that were the case most golfers would elect to play the ball from off the path.

Do you get free relief from a fence in golf?

Interference from Boundary Objects I have interference from an out of bounds fence, stake or wall – what are my options? A. You do not get free relief from objects that define or mark the course boundary.

Do you get relief from a bush in golf?

When a player's ball lies above the ground (such as in a bush or a tree), the player may take lateral relief by using the point on the ground directly below the spot of the ball as his or her reference point: The relief area.

Is there a two-stroke penalty in golf?

Players who deliberately interfere with any moving ball receive a two-stroke penalty. Incidental, unavoidable contact is generally not penalized, and additional rules determine how the ball must be played (generally as it lies). Playing a ball out-of-turn or while someone else's ball is in motion.

Can you tee up your ball when next to a bunker?

1. The stacked turf face of a bunker is not considered to be in the bunker, therefore the ball is lying in the general area. 2. Whilst the ball may be embedded (although this one doesn't look to be), the player would be entitled to free relief.

a. Stroke-and-Distance Relief

The player may play the original ball or another ball from where the previous stroke Stroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball. (...Continued) was made (see Rule 14.6 ).

b. Back-On-the-Line Relief

The player may drop Drop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play. (...Continued) the original ball or another ball (see Rule 14.3) in a relief area Relief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule.

c. Lateral Relief

The player may drop Drop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play. (...Continued) the original ball or another ball in this lateral relief area Relief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule.

What is the penalty for a ball unplayable?

The penalty is one stroke. In the rulebook in effect through the end of 2018, unplayable lies are covered under Rule 28, Ball Unplayable: "The player may declare his ball unplayable at any place on the course except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.".

What happens if you declare a golf ball unplayable?

If you declare the ball unplayable, you do so at the loss of at least one stroke.

Where can you take unplayable ball relief?

Under the heading "You May Decide to Take Unplayable Ball Relief Anywhere Except Penalty Area ," the rule states this: "You are the only person who may decide to treat your ball as unplayable. Unplayable ball relief is allowed anywhere on the course, except in a penalty area.".

Is it counterintuitive to declare a ball unplayable?

The short answer: Yes. It's counterintuitive because declaring a ball unplayable when, in fact, the ball is eminently playable seems counter to the basic golf principle of "play it as it lies.". In the scenario described above, the golfer would remove the ball from the bunker, assess himself a one-stroke penalty, ...

Is a golf ball unplayable?

Whether a Ball Is 'Unplayable' Is Solely Up to Golfer to Decide. Fact is, a golfer can declare any ball unplayable, at any time, for any reason, and anywhere on the course other than in a penalty area (a water hazard or any other area marked with red stakes or yellow stakes). The penalty is one stroke. In the rulebook in effect through the end of ...

Who is Brent Kelley?

Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Here's a question golfers ask, or wonder about, from time to time regarding the unplayable lie rule: "Following my first putt on the green, my ball rolled into a greenside bunker.

How to take relief from an unplayable lie?

To take relief from an unplayable lie, the player adds a one-stroke penalty and: Proceeds under the stroke-and-distance method (plays from a spot as close as possible to the original shot); or. Drops at a spot behind the unplayable lie, keeping that point between his ball and the hole.

What is the unplayable ball in a bunker?

If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, the player may proceed under Clause a, b or c. If he elects to proceed under Clause b or c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker. When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift and clean his ball or substitute a ball.

What is the golf rule for unplayable balls?

Golf Rule 28, Ball Unplayable. 28-1. Unless his ball is in a water hazard, a golfer can declare the ball unplayable anywhere on the course. The player has complete discretion over this decision. To take relief from an unplayable lie, the player adds a one-stroke penalty and:

What are the penalties for violating Rule 28?

Penalties for violating Rule 28: Match play – loss of hole. Stroke play – two strokes. The player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the course, except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.

What are the rules of golf for lying?

Rules of Golf – Options for Unplayable Lies. If you find your ball in play, but in a circumstance where you are not able to make a swing or advance the ball, then you are always entitled to claim an unplayable lie. Under this rule, you incur a one-stroke penalty, but are permitted to take relief from your troubling situation.

What happens if you find your ball in a position where you cannot make a swing?

In summary, if you find your ball in a position where you cannot make a swing, or choose to take relief, you have the option to claim an unplayable lie. The penalty for doing so is one stroke.

How to take an unplayable lie?

There are three specific options when taking an unplayable lie. The first option is to go back to the point from where you played your last shot. The second option is to drop your ball within two club lengths of where the ball came to rest, without moving closer to the hole.