Rule 28. Ball Unplayable
Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in
the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.
The player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the
course, except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is
the sole judge as to whether his ball is 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.
If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, the player may proceed
under Clause a, b or c. If he elects to proceed under Clause b or
c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker.
When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift and
clean his ball or substitute a ball.
Penalty for Breach of Rule :
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
