How Golf's Unplayable-Ball Rule Works Explainer
A golfer may declare their ball unplayable almost anywhere on the course except in a penalty area. The player alone makes that decision; the ball does not need to be physically impossible to strike. Each normal unplayable-ball relief option carries one penalty stroke.
The three standard choices are stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line relief, and lateral relief within two club-lengths of the ball's spot. Stroke-and-distance returns to the previous stroke. The other options require the player to know where the original ball lies.
A ball unplayable in a bunker has the same three one-stroke choices, but back-on-the-line and lateral relief must remain in that bunker. A player may instead use an additional option outside the bunker on a line behind the ball for a total two-stroke penalty.
Penalty areas use Rule 17 rather than the unplayable-ball rule. Before lifting anything, the player should identify the correct reference point and relief area. Viewers can follow the number of club-lengths and whether the drop stays in the required area of the course.
Only the player may make that decision.
One stroke for any of the three standard relief options.
No. Relief for a ball in a penalty area is governed by Rule 17.
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