Bangkok Post – “Unplayable Lies: Discover the Three Relief Options Available”

When a golf ball is in an unplayable lie, players have three relief options to choose from, each carrying a one-stroke penalty, except in penalty areas. The decision to declare a ball unplayable rests solely with the golfer.

The first option is stroke-and-distance, where the player returns to the original spot to play again. The second option is back-on-the-line relief, allowing the player to drop the ball on a line extending from the hole through the original spot of the ball. Lastly, golfers can opt for lateral relief, dropping the ball within two club-lengths of where it lies, without crossing the line from the hole.

Understanding these options is crucial for efficient play and maintaining pace on the course. Knowing when and how to utilize these relief options can turn a challenging situation into a manageable one.