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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-unplayable-bunker-two-strokes

Your ball is unplayable in a bunker. Which listed option lets you drop it outside the bunker?

Back on the line outside the bunker, for two penalty strokes in total.

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  1. Lateral relief outside, one stroke
  2. Back on the line outside, two strokes ✔
  3. Free drop on the fairway

Why: Rule 19.3b allows back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker for two penalty strokes. One-stroke back-on-the-line and lateral relief must stay in the bunker.

Huh, didn't know that: Stroke-and-distance relief costs one penalty stroke and returns you to the previous spot, which is outside the bunker only if your previous stroke was made there.

The dad joke
Why did the golfer bring a beach towel? His ball was on a bunker vacation.
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References

Answer: Back on the line outside, two strokes. Rule 19.3b allows back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker for two penalty strokes. One-stroke back-on-the-line and lateral relief must stay in the bunker.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 19 Unplayable Ball www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-19
    For a total of two penalty strokes, the player may take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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