Stuck in the trees? Wedged against a root? You do not have to hack it out.
Rule 19 gives you three exit options — all for just one penalty stroke. Here
is exactly how each option works and when to use each one.
🎯 Key fact: all three options cost exactly 1 stroke
The choice between the three unplayable lie options is about WHERE you drop,
not what it costs. Every option is +1 penalty stroke (except taking the
back-on-line option out of a bunker, which is +2). Pick the option that
gives you the best next shot, not the "cheapest" one — they are all the same price.
Option A
Stroke-and-distance (Rule 19.2a)
Return to where you last played and replay. +1 penalty stroke. Same penalty as a lost ball. Best if the other two options put you in an equally bad spot.
Option B
Two club-lengths (Rule 19.2b)
Measure two club-lengths from where the ball lies (no closer to the hole). Drop in that zone. +1 penalty stroke. Best when there is clear ground within two clubs that gives you a swing.
Option C
Back-on-a-line (Rule 19.2c)
Draw an imaginary line from the flagstick through your ball and extending behind it. Drop anywhere on that line, as far back as you want. +1 penalty stroke. Best when you want more distance from the trouble (e.g., out of the trees entirely).
Step 1
Find your ball and decide if you want to play it as it lies
Only you can declare a ball unplayable — no opponent, marker, or referee does this for you. If you think you can hit the shot, play it. If not, invoke Rule 19. There is no limit to how often you can declare a ball unplayable in a round.
Step 2
Choose one of the three relief options
Option A: go back and replay from where you last played (stroke-and-distance). Option B: drop within two club-lengths of the ball, no closer to the hole. Option C: drop anywhere on a line behind the flagstick and your ball, going back as far as you like. All three cost exactly 1 penalty stroke.
Step 3
For a bunker lie, understand the restriction
Options A and B keep your drop inside the bunker. Option C (back-on-line) lets you drop outside the bunker — but the penalty becomes 2 strokes instead of 1. If the ball is unplayable in a deep bunker with no good lie inside, going outside for +2 can still save strokes vs. hacking around in the sand.
Step 4
Drop the ball from knee height in the correct area
Under 2019 Rules, drops are made from knee height (not shoulder height). For Option B, drop in the 2-club-length zone. For Option C, drop on the line. The ball must come to rest in the relief area — if it rolls out, re-drop up to once, then place it where it landed on the re-drop.
Step 5
Add exactly one penalty stroke (or two if outside a bunker)
Count the original stroke that put the ball in trouble, plus 1 penalty stroke, plus the new stroke from the relief spot. Example: tee shot into the trees = stroke 1; declare unplayable = +1 penalty; next shot from relief spot = stroke 3. In stroke play, mark the penalty immediately on your scorecard.
What is an unplayable lie in golf?
An unplayable lie is any ball you declare too difficult or impossible to play — in trees, deep rough, against a fence, wedged in rocks, etc. Under Rule 19, YOU are the sole judge of whether your ball is unplayable. There is no requirement that the lie looks impossible to an observer.
How many penalty strokes for declaring a ball unplayable?
One stroke for all three standard options (back to where you played from, two club-lengths, or back on a line behind the flag). The only exception: declaring unplayable in a bunker and choosing to drop outside the bunker costs 2 strokes.
Can I declare my ball unplayable anywhere on the course?
Almost anywhere — except in a penalty area (red or yellow stakes). If your ball is inside a penalty area, you must use Rule 17 (penalty area relief), not the unplayable lie rule.
What are the three unplayable lie options in golf?
(A) Stroke-and-distance: replay from where you last played, +1 stroke. (B) Two club-lengths: drop within 2 club-lengths of where the ball lies, no closer to the hole, +1 stroke. (C) Back-on-a-line: drop anywhere on a line drawn through the flagstick and your ball, going back as far as you wish, +1 stroke.
Which unplayable option is the best to use?
Option B (two club-lengths) is usually the best deal — you stay close to where the ball was and often get a better lie nearby. Option C (back-on-line) is best when the trouble is dense and you want to escape it entirely. Option A (stroke-and-distance) is the fallback if both others leave you in equally bad spots.
Can I declare a ball unplayable in a bunker?
Yes — and you have all three options. However, if you use Option C (back-on-line) to drop OUTSIDE the bunker, the penalty increases to 2 strokes instead of 1. Dropping inside the bunker (Options A and B) still costs 1 stroke.
Do I need to announce the unplayable lie to anyone?
In stroke play, no announcement is required by the Rules — but it is good practice to tell your marker so the penalty stroke is tracked correctly. In match play, you do not need your opponent's approval since the right is entirely yours.
Can I move my ball to identify it before deciding if it is unplayable?
Yes. Under Rule 7.3, you may lift any ball to identify it (announce it first). You may also move loose impediments around the ball to see it. However, if you accidentally move your ball while doing so, the penalty is 1 stroke — so be careful not to dislodge it.