JPH
Q-School Graduate
When and where can I declare a ball unplayable , can I basically declare it unplayable anywhere through tee to green?
Ball unplayable
- Thread starter JPH
- Start date
yes, only the player can deem if his ball is unplayable and take the appropriate penalty
Foxholer
Blackballed
Here's the first sentence of Rule 28 -Ball Unplayable.
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.
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.
duncan mackie
Money List Winner
post #3 has given you the 'rule' but there's one other situation to note in the context of this.
so you can declare it unplayable and proceed under rule 28 options anywhere except in a water hazard, and if your ball lies in a hazard (bunker) your normal options under 28 are restricted.
DaveyG
Challenge Tour Pro
Might get shot here for not being able to recite all options but can someone confirm them?
Played in a comp for the first time on Sunday and admitted upfront I weren't 100% on the rules around drops etc... Have only ever played bounce games with my mates other than handicap qualifiers where I went round with a mate who is pretty hot on them
I have got a rules book when I join my new club next week so I will be able to check that but out of interest...
DaveyG
Challenge Tour Pro
I mean all options if you deem a ball unplayable
Region3
Ryder Cup Winner
All for a 1 stroke penalty, you can....
1. Play from where you played your previous shot
2. Drop within 2 club lengths not nearer the hole
3. Go back as far as you like keeping the spot where your ball is between you and the flag
Not 100% sure, but I think in a bunker if you take 2 or 3, you have to drop in the bunker.
1. Play from where you played your previous shot
2. Drop within 2 club lengths not nearer the hole
3. Go back as far as you like keeping the spot where your ball is between you and the flag
Not 100% sure, but I think in a bunker if you take 2 or 3, you have to drop in the bunker.
fundy
Ryder Cup Winner
dont worry you're not alone, even the world number 1 seems to struggle with where he is allowed to drop
pbrown7582
Money List Winner
F
:rofl: :rofl:
dont worry you're not alone, even the world number 1 seems to struggle with where he is allowed to drop
:rofl: :rofl:
JPH
Q-School Graduate
Cheers everyone
Colin L
Tour Winner
That's correct.
SwingsitlikeHogan
Major Champion
I had a relatively straightforward fairly level 10yd chip from LH side of green to a flag positioned close to the level/sloping break in the green. Got it wrong and ball caught wrong side of break and took the downward sloping back to front of green and ball disappeared way down the green off the front and down the steep slope up to the front of the green. Ended up 30yds from flag - way beneath level of green and only top half of flag visible. I seriously considered declaring shot unplayable and taking stroke and distance. I didn't as the same could have happened again and was less likely to happen from pitching up too short and rolling back - though still a distinct possibility. If flag had been further from the break in the green I'd probably have gone stroke and distance.
DaveyG
Challenge Tour Pro
Cheers for clarifying guy...
So technically say someone is awful in bunkers and has a nasty lie... they could declare it unplayable and take a drop in nice fluffy sand and give them a better chance of getting out on the second shot?
I know people will think this is what I am considering doing and I will say it now... I'm not! Its just mad to think you can look at a shot and think hmmmm I don't like the look of that I will take it back 30 yards onto the fairway for my perfect distance which I can hit all day long...
Doesn't sound like golf does it
So technically say someone is awful in bunkers and has a nasty lie... they could declare it unplayable and take a drop in nice fluffy sand and give them a better chance of getting out on the second shot?
I know people will think this is what I am considering doing and I will say it now... I'm not! Its just mad to think you can look at a shot and think hmmmm I don't like the look of that I will take it back 30 yards onto the fairway for my perfect distance which I can hit all day long...
Doesn't sound like golf does it
pbrown7582
Money List Winner
Or you could just chip it 30 yards back to your favoured distance or putt a few across a bunker to fluffy sand same result?
DaveyG
Challenge Tour Pro
True... ok so what if it was 20ft deep into trees and you called it unplayable... walk 50 yards back out of the trees and have a perfect PW into the green... This way you will be on the green in one plus the penalty drop... In pinball city you are very lucky if you get out in one and percentage game means you are safer to call it!
Like I say I am playing devils here... I would feel P'eed off if I was playing in a comp and somebody kept doing this and gaining an advantage from it.
Like I say I am playing devils here... I would feel P'eed off if I was playing in a comp and somebody kept doing this and gaining an advantage from it.
pbrown7582
Money List Winner
In this scenario you don't find the ball walk back to the tee nail it down the middle, iron to 3 foot and tap in bogey, or find ball in trees have a hack and end up with a Kevin Na 16?
The rules are not loop hole free there is enough times you'll feel unfairly penalised so may as well use things that are within the rules to gain the best score.
Just got to remember to go back to the same spot not 2 yards further back! :lol:
The rules are not loop hole free there is enough times you'll feel unfairly penalised so may as well use things that are within the rules to gain the best score.
Just got to remember to go back to the same spot not 2 yards further back! :lol:
DaveyG
Challenge Tour Pro
I don't think anyone will make that mistake for a while... Ok fair point - I have never thought about it like that. I guess its the whole no pictures on a scorecard thing isn't it... you just put yourself in the position to get the best score.
pbrown7582
Money List Winner
Exactly ! 
rulefan
Tour Winner
What penalty do you suggest for an unplayable?
dazlight
Club Champion
So if your in heavy rough an you find your ball can you pick it up an drop in within 2 clubs to the side say on to the fairway for penalty of 1 stroke? Instead of thrashing at it to try an pop it out.
