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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-unplayable-three-options

Your ball is unplayable under a bush in the rough. How many relief options do you have?

Three options, each for one penalty stroke.

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  1. Three options, one penalty stroke each ✔
  2. One option, two penalty strokes
  3. Two options, no penalty

Why: Rule 19.2 gives stroke and distance, back-on-the-line relief, or lateral relief within two club-lengths. Each one adds one penalty stroke.

Huh, didn't know that: For back-on-the-line or lateral relief you must know where the ball is; stroke and distance works even if it is never found.

The dad joke
Why did the golfer pick option three? Because the bush wasn't taking visitors.
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References

Answer: Three options, one penalty stroke each. Rule 19.2 gives stroke and distance, back-on-the-line relief, or lateral relief within two club-lengths. Each one adds one penalty stroke.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 19 Unplayable Ball www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-19
    A player may take unplayable ball relief using one of the three options in Rule 19.2a
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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