Dropping within 1 or 2 Club-lengths

[mjf]

When taking a drop within 1 or 2 club-lengths, is it necessary to go through the process of taking out your driver (or other club of choice) and performing the measurement? Or, if it's clear to everyone involved that you are within the required distance, is that sufficient?

So, for example, if I'm taking a drop from a lateral hazard within 2 club-lengths of where my last shot crossed the margin of the hazard (not nearer the hole) if I am clearly dropping within a yard of the hazard line, is that good enough? Or do I need to go through the whole song and dance of taking out a club and putting a tee in the ground?

Thanks.

[Thom Panikorn]

Yes, you should, to avoid complaints(and penalty) and confusion. You may think it's OK but your opponent may not. In serious tournament you have to mark a spot, either where your ball lies or where the 1 or 2 club lenght ends(free drop is one, penalty drop is two). If you want to play by the rule, you have to go through the whole routine like they do on tour.

TP

[Kiwi battler]

No you dont have to got thru the drama , nor do they on tour "as far as the rules i play under go anyways"

But to avoid any possible penalty , which might mean a few hundred thousand dollars to someone on tour , it is advisable

As you say tho , if your clearly dropping well withen the limited area , theres no drama

[AAA]

The procedure is only recommended. The only requirement is that the ball is actually dropped in the right place.