What are my options if my ball is unplayable?

Question

Accepted Answer

Only you can decide your ball is unplayable, and you can do so anywhere on the course except in a penalty area (there, the only relief is under the penalty area Rule).

General area or putting green (one penalty stroke for each option):

Stroke and distance: play the original or another ball from where you made your previous stroke.
Back on the line: drop behind the ball's spot, keeping that spot between the hole and the drop, with no limit on how far back.
Lateral: drop within two club-lengths of the ball's spot, not nearer the hole.

In a bunker:

Any of the options above for one penalty stroke, except that back-on-the-line and lateral drops must be made in the bunker and come to rest there.
Extra option for two penalty strokes in total: take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker. (Rule 19)