Taking a drop

[Fore]

When dropping a shot for an unplayable lie, apparently you have to stand as close as possible to the spot where the ball originally laid and then drop the ball within 2 club lengths.

The other day my ball went under a bush on the left side of the fairway and i had to drop for an unplayable lie. I could not stand in the bush and the bush extended about 2 clubs lengths out from where the ball rested (Needed trimming really!).

Was it correct to stand as close as possible to the bush and allow 2 club lengths from where my feet were or should it have been 2 club lengths from the original position of the ball?

Also, can the ball be played if it rolls towards the green after it has been dropped or does it have to be further from the hole than it's position prior to dropping it?

 

[Mike_j_golf]

It has to be 2 club lengths from the ball and cannot be nearer the hole if u can't drop it there go back to where u played the shot from or back in a stright line keeping the ball and flag in line.
Mike

 

[Fyldewhite]

You just mark where the ball was, mark two clublengths away and drop it within that distance. It's where the ball hits the deck that matters not where you stand. It can then roll two clublengths from there but not nearer the hole.

Rule 20 gives the full procedure btw.

 

[freddielong]

As stated on here many times you have 3 options when talking a drop for unplayable

If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must under penalty of
one stroke:

a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or
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; or
c. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay,
but not nearer the hole.

Attatched is a link to the Rule book

http://www.randa.org/flash/rules/PDF/WEB_ROG_spreads.pdf

 

[Fore]

As stated on here many times

I take it your getting fed up with this site then?

Why bother answering if you feel like that.

 

[freddielong]

It just amazes me how many people do not know the basic rules of golf - this one being one of the most asked about on here

Just read the rule book its not difficult or complicated, why not take responsibility for yourself and not expect everyone else to do it for you.

 

[Fore]

Up yours.

 

[freddielong]

Nice and grown up

 

[Smiffy]

Is this a bicker????

 

[jammydodger]

I think this needs to be moved to the bickering thread lol

I agree with Freddie about people not knowing some pretty basic rules though. I've lost count of the number of times i've had to explain to partners/opponents the free drop rule.

You get some classics like :-

1. Picks the ball up and drops it where they want
2. Go to edge of GUR and mark off 1 club length and drop
3. Picks ball up and throws it down in best spot to see green
4. Marks 1 club length from where ball is and drops , then complains that the staked tree is still interfering with swing and it isnt fair

etc etc etc

 

[Pants]

Ignore him mate - a lot of people do

If you are not sure of a ruling, then ask. We get it all the time. You are in the right place for that. From what little I have seen since I joined, most people on here will willingly help if they can, whether or not it has been posted several times before - just as Freddie did but in his case with a little dig.

Yes. We should all know the rules but sadly not all do yet, particularly in the areas such as this where there are several options available.

 

[Fore]

Cheers Pants.
The reason for my post is to try and learn the rules.
I have been on the R&A site (i even have the link in my bookmarks) but the rules are not particularly easy to decipher. Sometimes it just helps to have it explained to you by somone that is experienced.

 

[Pants]

Can't say I'm that experienced but I know where you are coming from.

If you haven't already got one, get hold of the printed copy of the rules. Near the beginning is a section that covers the basic rules in easy to understand format. The other thing to try if you have a query is to look at the "decisions" section on the web site. This covers virtually every scenario (apart from some of the recent queries about hitting a hidden ball maybe) and will help give a better understanding of what the rules are trying to achieve.

 

[JustOne]

Sometimes it is necessary to take TWO drops in order to gain relief... that would be 4 club lengths. Tell that to most people who just grab it from under the tree and drop it where they want and you won't be popular in the bar afterwards.

If you aren't able to get under the tree to measure the club lengths properly then ask your playing partners (the opposition) what they will be happy with. It wouldn't be the first time I've seen the opposition crawl under a tree to get a proper measure

 

[Imurg]

It just amazes me how many people do not know the basic rules of golf - this one being one of the most asked about on here

Just read the rule book its not difficult or complicated, why not take responsibility for yourself and not expect everyone else to do it for you.

Tell that to a large chunk of the Touring pros who won't even look at a ball unless they've had a ruling - if they don't know.......

 

[Tommo21]

Wait a minute, how do you get to know the basic rules. Reading the rule book is fine but I don’t see anything wrong with asking. This is a golf web site and it’s in the right section. I still ask for verification with my playing partners when it comes to some of the less well interpreted rules. Bicker away.

 

[jammydodger]

Get one of those rules made easy booklets that show you stuff in pictures. Theyre only £6-7 from Hapless' website. Tells you the rules in plain english too

 

[backwoodsman]

Was it correct to stand as close as possible to the bush and allow 2 club lengths from where my feet were or should it have been 2 club lengths from the original position of the ball?

Several folk have given correct answers in this thread but one thing to clarify...

If you choose the "2 club length" option, it's the ball that has to be dropped within 2 club lengths of the unplayable lie. <u>You</u> can stand where you like to do it (provided you drop it in the approved fashion, which effectively means your body can't be more than 2 club lengths plus an arms length from the balls original lie).