Okay, so today I wanted to figure out this whole “unplayable lie” thing in golf. I’ve heard the term, seen the pros do it, but never really knew the specifics. Time to get my hands dirty!
Getting Started: Reading the Rules (Yawn)
First, I pulled up the official rules online. Honestly, it was a bit of a slog. Lots of legal-sounding stuff. But I powered through and found the relevant section on unplayable lies (Rule 19, for those keeping score at home).
Basically, it says you can declare your ball unplayable pretty much anywhere on the course except in a penalty area. You get three options for relief, all with a one-stroke penalty:
- Go back to where you played your last shot.
- Drop within two club-lengths of where the ball lies, but no nearer the hole.
- Go back as far as you want on a line keeping the original spot between you and the hole.
Time for Some Action: Backyard Experiment
Reading is one thing, but I needed to see this in action. So, I headed out to my backyard with a few golf balls and my trusty 7-iron.
First, I tossed a ball into a really thick bush. Definitely unplayable! I practiced the two club-length rule. It was a bit tricky judging the distance, so I grabbed a tape measure to make sure. Took my drop, added the penalty stroke, and played on. Felt weird adding a stroke, but hey, rules are rules.
Next, I placed a ball right up against the base of a tree. This time, I tried the “back-on-the-line” relief. I walked back, keeping the tree and the original spot lined up, and dropped. Gave me a much better angle for my next shot.
The “Real World” Test: On the Course
Of course, the backyard is one thing, a real course is another. I went out to my local course to give this all the unplayable lie rule.
I found myself in a nasty spot. My ball was nestled down in some deep, thick rough, right next to a bunch of roots. No way I could get a clean swing.
“Unplayable!” I declared to my playing partner.
I took my two club-lengths, dropped, added the penalty, and chipped it back onto the fairway.
Final Thoughts
It’s definitely a useful rule to know. It can save you from some really terrible situations, even though that penalty stroke stings a little. The key is to really understand the three relief options and practice them so you’re comfortable with the process. Don’t be like me initially, fumbling around with a tape measure on the course! Now, if you excuse me, I have to deal with all divots in my backyard!
