Ball Unplayable_Option b_ Whats the logic?

[Slab]

When looking at the options to proceed for an unplayable option b is:

b.
Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped

I've often wondered what the logic or rationale is for my bold highlight, why is it 'on a line with the hole' rather than the on a line with the tee

Why wasn't it written as

b.
Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the teeing ground and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped

I've never really seen b; as a viable option because it invariable just takes me further into trouble with no way to proceed (maybe 1 in 10 its viable, whereas if the line was between ball and back to the tee then I guess 9in10 it would be an option) After-all its not like its a free drop, you still get penalized

Just wondered why the chose the hole as the line?

 

[louise_a]

I suspect it is so whatever you took relief from is still in play.

 

[jusme]

When looking at the options to proceed for an unplayable option b is:

b.
Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped

I've often wondered what the logic or rationale is for my bold highlight, why is it 'on a line with the hole' rather than the on a line with the tee

Why wasn't it written as

b.
Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the teeing ground and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped

I've never really seen b; as a viable option because it invariable just takes me further into trouble with no way to proceed (maybe 1 in 10 its viable, whereas if the line was between ball and back to the tee then I guess 9in10 it would be an option) After-all its not like its a free drop, you still get penalized

Just wondered why the chose the hole as the line?

I have no idea why it is as it is, however its interesting that its not used by you much. I use it more than any other option and suspect its use or lack of is dictated by course design.

 

[ManinBlack]

So that you only get relief from the unplayable bit & not the bunker or water hazard between you & the green. As for taking you farther into the hazard, not always the case. Just ask Jordan Spieth!

 

[Slab]

I have no idea why it is as it is, however its interesting that its not used by you much. I use it more than any other option and suspect its use or lack of is dictated by course design.

Yeah I think design will dictate much of it. Of the half dozen courses I play regularly I can only think of two holes that are side by side/adjacent and still have enough gaps/clearance between them to make it viable to play back onto the correct hole. Most are just wilderness, ocean or retreating hundreds of yards or something else undesirable that makes it impractical

 

[rulefan]

MiB has it. Much like relief from a (yellow) water hazard.
You are still required to negotiate over/past any problems that lie between you and the green.
Taking the other line would most likely give you a clear line to the green.
The penalty is for getting a better lie not a better line.

 

[Slab]

Thanks guys, kinda makes sense (while not really representative of most situations I encounter) but I do see a bit of logic now

i.e roll into bad area by a couple of yards, get penalized a shot cos its unplayable and then have an obstacle hundreds of times the size of the obstruction you just paid a penalty to get away from which could just be a small rock (I wasn't thinking in terms of it being a penalty drop from the lie more that the ball is unplayable regardless of the lie)



Actually reading rule 28 and it doesn't say unplayable lie it just says unplayable

 

[rulefan]

Actually reading rule 28 and it doesn't say unplayable lie it just says unplayable

I have difficulty in picturing a situation where 'unplayable' doesn't involve the lie.

 

[duncan mackie]

Indeed, unplayable can be because of the proximity to any number of objects that interfere with the line you wish to play, your swing, stance etc etc as well as the balls lie - all overlayed with any other hazards further down the hole!

The pay off for having unlimited scope is that you remain on the same line as anything you are negotiating, if you wish to choose your direction the distance is limited. If you really don't want to be there at all, go back and play again!

It might be interesting to consider the evolution of the rule. Going back keeping the nature of the shot to be played constant was the primary option, after playing again, with the alternative being to simply drop out of a lie issue without any distance...it was only later that it became an option to get any distance to one side or the other away from where the ball lay. Here is the wording from over 60 years ago

a. Play a ball as provided for in Clause 1 above, or
b. Drop and play a ball*under penalty of two strokes, keeping the point from which the ball was lifted between himself and the hole; if this be impossible, he shall drop and play a ball*under penalty of two strokes*as near as possible to the spot from which the ball was lifted but not nearer the hole.*

 

[Slab]

Thanks for the additional info Duncan

 

[Foxholer]

It's also worth pointing out that 'in line with the tee' would only be relevant if the shot that put the bal into the unplayable lie was a tee shot!

 

[rulie]

Imo, the teeing ground has no logical relevance in applying options b and c of Rule 28, and is only relevant in option a if that is where the previous stroke was made.