In the trees - best course of action

[collins]

Last weekend I played in a medal and on our 5th hole pulled my first and provisional into trees. We found my provisional and I tried to punch a 4 iron low through a gap which didn't work and ended up taking 3 more shots to get out of the trees! I was being too daring in hindsight as I was well into the woods so there were a few trees to get through no matter what angle I took.
Could I have just deemed my ball unplayable, come out and taken a drop on the line my ball entered the trees as although the rest of the card wasn't great I could have prevented scoring a 9 (I got up and down when I got out the trees!

 

[Imurg]

Trees are not classed as hazards under the rules you have to play as it lies, take a 2 club length penalty drop, or drop back on a line between you and the flag. You can't just drop at the point of entry as you do with a water hazard.
You could also go back to the tee again and if the ball was that far in it may have been the better option

 

[bobmac]

In other words, positions 1, 2 or 3

 

[Karl102]

Stop, think, decide on best course of action that pretty much involves taking your medicine and getting the lowest score possible. PS I dont always do this......

 

[C_MAC]

As said before take your punishment,even if you have to play backwards to get out of trouble.20yatds further back on the fairway with a shot to the green is better then taking 3-4 shots to get out of the tree's and ruin your card. I should know,I've been there enough times before.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Always best to come out by the shortes route even if it means going back. Play the next from the fairway, knock it down and even if you can't hit the green a chip and two putts for a 6 is a lot less painful on the card than a snowman or even double figures

 

[kid2]

Last weekend I played in a medal and on our 5th hole pulled my first and provisional into trees. We found my provisional and I tried to punch a 4 iron low through a gap which didn't work and ended up taking 3 more shots to get out of the trees! I was being too daring in hindsight as I was well into the woods so there were a few trees to get through no matter what angle I took.
Could I have just deemed my ball unplayable, come out and taken a drop on the line my ball entered the trees as although the rest of the card wasn't great I could have prevented scoring a 9 (I got up and down when I got out the trees!

Its a bit late now Collins but if i were in that situation in a medal after finding the tree's with the first ( Im guessing it was a driver or wood off the tee) then at all costs bite your pride stick it back in the bag and hit the Provisional with an iron or a club you trust to garauntee you find the fairway. At least then if your first cant be found your not at a complete loss.

I think if im right medals are considered stroke and distance..Which means that you cant just take a penalty drop as your gaining an unfair distance advantage by doing it.

 

[Betterman]

I find the best thing to do is stop for a second & think through your options & what happens if each goes wrong.

As a example you're 190 from the pin in the trees.
Option 1) I play out sideways or backwards & am in the fairway. Means my next shot from 190 is probaly missing the green & I have a short pitch of chip - so 3 shots from where I am till I'm putting.
Option 2) I play for a small gap. If it comes off I've probably got a wedge & then I'm putting, if it goes wrong I'm still in the trees, have to play another shot out & then a wedge or pitch to get to the green. So 3 shots.

So if things go wrong taking a chance I end up the same as if things go right playing it safe - so I gamble.

Think of the options on every shot.