Crooked Stick
Golf Society
Founded 1991
When can I declare my ball UNPLAYABLE?
You may declare your ball unplayable on any part of the course except when your ball is in a penalty area, when the rules relating to penalty areas apply.
What are my options if I declare my ball unplayable (outside of a bunker)?
You have the following options, all under penalty of one stroke:
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(a) Play a ball (as near as possible) from the point where the original ball was played.
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(b) Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, not nearer the hole.
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(c) Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped, with no limit as to how far back you go.
What are my options if I declare my ball unplayable in a bunker?
You have the following options, all under penalty of one stroke:
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(a) Play a ball (as near as possible) from the point where the original ball was played.
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(b) In the bunker, drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, not nearer the hole.
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(c) In the bunker, drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped, with no limit as to how far back you go (in the bunker).
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You now also have the following options, under penalty of TWO strokes:
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(d) Outside the bunker, drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped, with no limit as to how far back you go.