Support the Game
Start by becoming a USGA member.
Rules of Golf Handbook
A must-have addition to your golf bag.
Rules FAQ
Rule 28
Ball Unplayable in a Hazard
Q. May a player declare a ball in a hazard unplayable?
A. The answer depends on the type of hazard the ball is in. If the ball is in a water hazard, the player may not declare the ball unplayable. He may play the ball as it lies, or proceed under the water hazard Rule (Rule 26-1). If the unplayable ball lies in a bunker, the player may proceed under any of the options listed in Rule 28. However, if he elects option b or c, the ball must be dropped in the bunker.
Below you can view videos related to this Rule. | |
| Video | |
| Ball Unplayable | |
Your options for an unplayable ball |
|
| View Video | |
| Video | |
| Approach shot came to rest in a tree left of the green | |
At the 2000 William's World Challenge, Bernhard Langer's approach shot came to rest in a tree left of the green. Langer declared his ball unplayable to protect himself from incurring a penalty for moving his ball into play during a search. |
|
| RealPlayer | Windows Media Player |
| High Bandwidth | High Bandwidth |
| Low Bandwidth | Low Bandwidth |
| Video | |
| Tee shots into a ravine | |
On the third playoff hole at the 2001 Buick Invitational, Phil Mickelson and Frank Lickliter both drove their tee shots into a ravine. |
|
| RealPlayer | Windows Media Player |
| High Bandwidth | High Bandwidth |
| Low Bandwidth | Low Bandwidth |