Standards for declaring a ball unplayable

You may ever faced this situation many times that  following your first putt on the green, your ball rolled into a green-side bunker. Could you declare the ball ‘unplayable,’ and then went back to the last spot where you last hit it to re-play the shot? The answer is ”Yes”!

It’s counterintuitive, because declaring a ball unplayable when, in fact, the ball is eminently playable seems counter to the basic golf principle of “play it as it lies.”

In the scenario described above, the golfer would remove the ball with your golf equipment from the bunker, assess himself a 1-stroke penalty, place the ball at the spot of the original putt and try again. You never, ever see pros doing something like this because pros are unwilling to take the penalty. A golfer who is terrified of sand might, however, think that 1-stroke penalty is worth it to get out of the sand.

Fact is, a golfer can declare any ball unplayable, at any time, for any reason, and anywhere on the course other than in a water hazard. The penalty is one stroke with three options for how to proceed.

In the rulebook, it’s Rule 28, Ball Unplayable, and it’s as straightforward as can be:

“The player may declare his ball unplayable at any place on the course except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.”

After taking a 1-stroke penalty, the three options for proceeding are to return to the spot of the previous stroke and play again; or drop within a length of two golf clubs, not nearer the hole; or drop behind the spot, going back as far as you want, keeping the original spot between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped.

If you declare a ball in a bunker unplayable and use the second or third option (taking a drop), you must drop in the bunker. For a little more explanation, read Rule 28. It’s every bit as clear as it sounds, even if that doesn’t sound quite right.

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TaylorMade Penta TP Golf Balls

At a time when the premium golf ball market seems more crowded than the 19th hole on a 2-for-1 drinks night, the Penta TP comes along and not only makes a name for itself, but also raises the bar.

Let’s peel back the layers: First – off the driver – distance. Across a section of golfers during testing, distance gains ranged from 3 to 13 yards with the golf clubs depending on the player. That’s significant.

Next, with mid- and long irons the ball is workable – both for mid- and low-handicappers. Should novices leave this ball alone? No way – it’s too much fun for the whole golfin’ family!

Lest we forget about spin – the Penta has plenty of it. Off mid- and short irons is where this ball shines. Shots for low handicappers hit inside 50 yards showed a willingness to sit right where they landed. For the higher handicap (15+), that group saw a shorter roll-out on balls that hit the green compared with other premium balls.

As for putting, I found the Penta seemed to hold the line better than some other brands. Interesting that the ball immediately felt a certain heft, even though it conforms to the mandated weight of a golf ball. As for feel off the putter, it’s soft but not a marshmallow feel.

Does a 5-piece ball work for your game? By all accounts, it looks like that “5″ is a winning number. Give it a try.

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Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club for winter golf

Winter is not the end of golf. Although some golf courses have to close up the course for winter, Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club will not.

Based in Thorpeness in Suffolk, the course was built on sandy soil so has perfect draining during the wetter seasons, making it playable all year round. In fact, the course was only closed for half a day last winter.

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Recently refurbished, the Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club is set amongst the Suffolk coastal heathland and the golf course offers a tough challenge for all levels of player.

The course is laid with sandy soil and heath land and Thorpeness also has the advantage of a low rainfall, which certainly guarantees a healthy competition of golf can be played. While other golf courses are sometimes forced to close due to bad weather and water logged greens, Thorpeness green keepers work hard to keep the course looking and feeling great to rid you of those golfing winter blues.

Thorpeness is set in a unique and relaxing coastline of Suffolk, its stunning 18 hole golf course, with the 18th Hole framed by ‘The House in the Clouds’ and ‘The Thorpeness Windmill’ is complemented by the peaceful and stylish atmosphere the club house and hotel provides, certainly making this golf course the place to defeat the golfing blues!

Designed by James Braid in 1922, this Suffolk golf course winds through silver birch, pine trees, gorse and heather and was described by the Sunday Telegraph Golfing Guide as “Reminiscent of the inland glories of Sunningdale and Woodhall Spa”.

Golf breaks are available throughout the year and this season sees the introduction of a couple of breaks for both the golfer and non-golfer. Fish & Pheasant weekends starting in January, includes free golf for the weekend, providing golf equipment as well.

Also, some great Winter golf days and green fees, continuing until March from just £19.50 an introduction of a Golf Breaks Sunday Driver which includes overnight accommodation with a full English breakfast, three courses dinner and two round of golf from just £75.

So this winter don’t let the golfing blues get you down, there’s always something happening at the Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club.

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