Tournament season means we all need to know how to drop and score an out of play ball correctly. Rules maven Irene made a handy out of play rules summary, find it under the ‘Play Golf!’ and ‘USGA Rules / Resources’ menus. Please take a few moments to review…or learn, thanks!!
Out of Play Balls
Lost Ball
– 1 stroke penalty
A lost ball is not out of bounds but cannot be found because of long grass, clover, trees or the player just cannot see it.
Player must go back to where the ball was last struck and play a new ball with a one stroke penalty.
It is preferable for player to hit a provisional ball that can be played until the original ball is found, in case player thinks she will be unable to find it. If the provisional ball is used and holed out, there is a one stroke penalty.
Out of Bounds
– 1 stroke penalty
A ball is out of bounds when it is out of play at white stakes. Player must go back to where the ball was struck out of bounds, or play a provisional ball until it is confirmed the original ball is out of bounds. Player takes a one stroke penalty for each time ball is out of bounds.
Embedded
– no penalty
An embedded ball IN the fairway is when player’s ball sits below fairway level. Ball can be dug up, cleaned and dropped in the 180 degree area behind the line of play with no penalty.
With an embedded ball OFF the fairway, it must be proven that the ball is below the level of the ground and not just sitting in a divot.
Unplayable – Natural
– 1 stroke penalty
If a ball cannot be hit because of a natural obstruction, the ball can be moved within a two club length area no closer to the pin with a one stroke penalty.
Unplayable – Manmade
– no penalty
If a ball cannot be hit because of a manmade obstruction, the ball can be moved within a one club length area no closer to the pin so you are able to hit the ball with no penalty.