Declaring an unplayable lie

[dennyjones]

I played Sunday at a local course and was playing well until I hit a sand trap like they have in Scotland. I couldn't see over the trap to the green. It took me three shots to clear the trap. Later I was thinking about the round and was wondering if it is legal or logical to take an unplayable lie from a sand trap.

[VOX]

it is certainly allowed and occasionally the best option

[Ernest Jones]

I don't think you can take your unplayable out of the trap, you need to take your relief from the unplayable lie within the sand trap.

Edit* sorry, that's confusing. What I mean is you can declare the ball unplayable and move it no nearer the hole but you must remain in the hazard. At least, that is my understanding.

[David in FL]

I played Sunday at a local course and was playing well until I hit a sand trap like they have in Scotland. I couldn't see over the trap to the green. It took me three shots to clear the trap. Later I was thinking about the round and was wondering if it is legal or logical to take an unplayable lie from a sand trap.

it is certainly allowed and occasionally the best option

Just remember, you're still required to drop in the bunker.  You may not remove the ball from the bunker, unless you opt to replay at the spot from which you played your last shot (stroke and distance).

Rule 28 applies....

If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must, under penalty of one stroke:

a. Proceed under the stroke and distance provision of Rule 27-1 by playing 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 .

[VOX]

There are three options for unplayable. Play from the previous spot (does not need to be in the bunker), Within two club lengths no nearer the hole (must stay in the bunker), or as far back in the bunker as you like keeping the spot where the ball came to rest between you and the hole.

[Slice of Life]

I played Sunday at a local course and was playing well until I hit a sand trap like they have in Scotland. I couldn't see over the trap to the green. It took me three shots to clear the trap. Later I was thinking about the round and was wondering if it is legal or logical to take an unplayable lie from a sand trap.

Let's say you were in on 2. Then 3, 4, 5 out. Or, go back and rehit where you hit from on your second as your forth, and you have 2 shots to get to where your 3rd try out of the bunker ended up.

Rarely would that be the logical play, as even in the deep pot bunkers, you'd hope to get out in two...but it's a legal option.

[Rulesman]

The situation of declaring a second bunker shot unplayable but not being able to drop outside is called a Hamlet.

[bkuehn1952]

The situation of declaring a second bunker shot unplayable but not being able to drop outside is called a Hamlet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81VUHm6JEj4

Dang, I wish I had been aware of that special "rule" when I played in Scotland this past July.

[rustyredcab]

And you must drop the ball. In many bunkers that increases the odds of a plugged/bad/buried lie.

Seen and done it when the ball is really unplayable -- such as nearly buried and under the lip with no chance of moving the ball in any direction. In Scotland, many bunker shots are aimed away from the hole in an effort to get the ball out.

[joekelly]

I should have taken the A option last week. Could not see where to go as many jungle canyons lurking everywhere. Needed about 125 to get clear next shot but popped one only 100, into a bunker with big lip. Still could not see where  or how far. Took 2 to get out. I could called 'unplayable', gone back to original spot, used the 9i, and maybe saved a stroke. A bit of an ego buster to take the unplayable from the bunker, however.

[rustyredcab]

In the heat of the moment after a bad shot, or even a bad break, I often forget about the option of going back and re-hitting.