The ruling in plain English
Outside a penalty area, you alone may declare your ball unplayable. For one penalty stroke choose stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line, or lateral relief within two club-lengths. In a bunker, the one-stroke back-on-the-line and lateral options must stay in the bunker; back-on-the-line outside the bunker costs two strokes.
Check these facts first
Only the player may decide to treat their ball as unplayable, and not when it is in a penalty area. In the general area or on the putting green, stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line and lateral relief each cost one penalty stroke. For an unplayable ball in a bunker, back-on-the-line and lateral relief for one stroke must remain in the bunker; back-on-the-line relief outside costs two penalty strokes.
Your on-course procedure
- 1
Confirm the ball is not in a penalty area and decide that you will treat it as unplayable.
- 2
Choose stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line, or lateral relief and add one penalty stroke.
- 3
To use back-on-the-line or lateral relief, know the original ball's spot.
- 4
If the ball is in a bunker, keep those one-stroke drops in the bunker or take the two-stroke back-on-the-line option outside.
Count it correctly
Normally one penalty stroke; two penalty strokes for the additional back-on-the-line option outside a bunker.
The exact outcome depends on the stated facts and format of play. Apply any exception below before recording the penalty.
Know when the answer changes
- Stroke-and-distance is available even when the original ball has not been found and identified.
- A ball in a penalty area is handled under Rule 17, not Rule 19.
Avoid these wrong turns
- Trying to use unplayable-ball relief from inside a penalty area.
- Dropping outside a bunker for only one penalty stroke under a lateral or back-on-the-line option.
Check the official wording
This independent guide is a plain-English aid. The current Rules, Interpretations and any course Local Rules control the ruling.
Would you make the right call?
Answer one situation from this guide, then try the full rules challenge for bragging rights.