What are my options for an unplayable ball?

Under Rule 19.2 of the 2023 Rules of Golf, for a ball in the general area or on the putting green you may declare it unplayable and take relief for one penalty stroke using any one of three options:

1. Stroke and distance: play the original or another ball from where your previous stroke was made. You can use this even if the original ball has not been found.
2. Back on the line: drop behind the spot of the original ball, keeping that spot between the hole and where you drop, with no limit on how far back. The ball you drop creates a relief area one club-length in any direction from where it first touches the ground, not nearer the hole than the original spot, and in the same area of the course.
3. Lateral relief: drop in a relief area two club-lengths from the spot of the original ball, not nearer the hole. If the ball is above the ground (for example in a tree), measure from the spot directly below it.

For back-on-the-line and lateral relief you must know the spot of the original ball. Rule 19.3 has separate options for a ball in a bunker.