Tee it up again?

[nokids]

On a short par 4, I topped my ball and it rolls 20 yards forward into some deep rough. I'm right handed and the ball is up against a tree, so I would have to hit this ball left handed. Knowing that this shot is pretty much impossible, I elect to declare the ball unplayable, I walk back to the tee, tee up my ball, and hit my 3rd shot. Am I right?


I want to see what most people think the ruling on this is. I was in this situation and received incorrect advice from my playing partners, Gbower gave me the correct answer at the rules clinic. So all you knowledgable rules officials, please don't give the answer away just yet.


Thanks.

[jvincent]

That's an easy one. What you did was allowed under the Rules.

Now, what you could have done since there was a disagreement with your FC is to play another ball under Rule 3-3 saying that you intend to score with that ball. You then play both balls out and resolve it later.

[Ruskie]

You can always replay your last shot under penalty of stroke and distance. If the original shot was a tee shot, you can tee it up again. You don't have to declare your ball unplayable to do that.

[nokids]

That's an easy one. What you did was allowed under the Rules.

Now, what you could have done since there was a disagreement with your FC is to play another ball under Rule 3-3 saying that you intend to score with that ball. You then play both balls out and resolve it later.

Good point. I forgot I could do that.

[goochy]

like Ruskie said...if you replay a shot under stroke and distance and the shot is replayed from the tee box..you can re-tee it

[LobWedge]

The important distinction here is that in order to declare a ball unplayable, it must first be found, and it must not be either OB, or in a water hazard. Also, an unplayable ball gives you two additional options that you don't have with stroke & distance.

[Break68]

And those options would be.....

[Kilroy]

Under penalty of one stroke

• Drop within 2 clublengths no closer to the hole
• Drop as far back as you want keeping the balls resting place in line with the hole
• Replay the shot

[LobWedge]

And those options would be.....

Drop the ball within 2 clublengths of where it lay, no nearer the hole. And drop as far back as you want, keeping the point where the ball lay between yourself and the hole. Applying the one stroke penalty, of course

[Kilroy]

Beat ya Lobbie!

[Break68]

nice!

[LobWedge]

beat ya lobbie!

:p

[Ruskie]

I'm curious, what incorrect information did your FCs give you?

[AAA]

That's an easy one. What you did was allowed under the Rules.

Now, what you could have done since there was a disagreement with your FC is to play another ball under Rule 3-3 saying that you intend to score with that ball. You then play both balls out and resolve it later.

But you must declare that you are going to play 2 balls before you take any other action.

[BC MIST]

The important distinction here is that in order to declare a ball unplayable, it must first be found, and it must not be either OB, or in a water hazard.

Have a look at Decision 28/1 for clarification

[LobWedge]

Have a look at Decision 28/1 for clarification

Ah, of course! Thanks for the clarification.