Linda,
Is it necessary to first play a shot in a bunker or penalty area before you can declare your ball unplayable and take relief options, or can you declare it unplayable at any time and use your relief options?
Regards,
Lou from the UK
Dear Lou,
There is no requirement to hit your ball before you decide to declare it unplayable.
You may declare your ball unplayable anytime and anywhere on the golf course (including when it lies in a bunker) except in a penalty area. You may not invoke the unplayable rule when your ball lies in a penalty area.
If your ball is unplayable in a penalty area, you must choose one of the relief options provided in Rule 17.
Linda
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