Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An Unplayable Ball is a ball the player chooses not to play as it lies, taking penalty relief under Rule 19. Except in a Penalty Area, the player may use stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line, or lateral relief, normally for one penalty stroke.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, an Unplayable Ball does not concede the hole or impose a separate match penalty: the player adds the applicable penalty stroke to that hole's score. The player with fewer strokes, including penalty strokes, wins the hole; therefore the relief choice can change whether the hole is won, lost, or halved. The opponent should be told the correct stroke count when required.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Unplayable Ball |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf Rule 19.1-19.3; Rule 3.2a(1) |
| Related concepts | Penalty Relief, Penalty Stroke, Stroke and Distance, Back-on-the-Line Relief, Lateral Relief |
Worked example
Alex's ball is unplayable in a bush after his second stroke, so he takes lateral relief for one penalty stroke and uses two more strokes to finish: his hole score is 5; if Ben scores 6, Alex wins the hole.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 19.1-19.3; Rule 3.2a(1)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Who decides whether a ball is unplayable?
Only the player may decide to treat the ball as unplayable and take Rule 19 penalty relief. An opponent, marker, or caddie cannot make that decision for the player.
How many penalty strokes does an Unplayable Ball cost?
The three Rule 19.2 options normally cost one penalty stroke. A ball in a Bunker has an additional option to take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker for a total of two penalty strokes.
Can I declare an Unplayable Ball in a Penalty Area?
No. Rule 19 relief is not available when the ball lies in a Penalty Area. The player must use the applicable Penalty Relief options under Rule 17 instead.
What are the three usual Unplayable Ball options?
The player may return to the previous-stroke spot under stroke-and-distance relief, drop back on a line through the ball's spot, or take lateral relief within two club-lengths of the reference point, no nearer the hole. Each normally adds one penalty stroke.
Does an Unplayable Ball automatically lose a hole in Match Play?
No. The penalty stroke is added to the player's score for that hole. The hole result depends on both players' total strokes, including penalty strokes, unless the opponent wins it by another rule or concedes it.
Can I take an Unplayable Ball option outside a Bunker?
For one penalty stroke, stroke-and-distance relief is available, while back-on-the-line and lateral relief must leave the ball in the Bunker. A special back-on-the-line option outside the Bunker costs two penalty strokes in total.