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Knowing your options when your ball ends up in trouble can save you strokes — and a lot of unnecessary stress. USGA-certified rules expert Marcela Smith breaks down the three rules that come up most often in everyday play, including unplayable balls, bunker relief, and the stroke and distance rule she’s nicknamed the Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re new to the game or simply want to feel more confident on course, this is essential watching.
Marcela Smith – Know The Rules
Marcela Smith, USGA-certified in the rules of golf, walks through the situations most likely to catch you out mid-round: what to do with an unplayable ball, how bunker relief actually works, and when stroke and distance is your best option. The video covers each relief procedure step by step, including the key difference between lateral relief and back on the line, and when you need to have found your ball before taking a drop. It’s a practical, no-nonsense guide aimed at helping women play with confidence and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Key Takeaways
You always have the stroke and distance option: No matter where your ball is on the course — including in a bunker — you can take stroke and distance relief for a one-stroke penalty, and you don’t need to find your ball first to use it.
You always have the stroke and distance option: No matter where your ball is on the course — including in a bunker — you can take stroke and distance relief for a one-stroke penalty, and you don’t need to find your ball first to use it.
Unplayable ball relief comes in three forms: Stroke and distance, back on the line, and lateral relief each cost one penalty stroke in the general area, but for back on the line and lateral relief you must know the exact spot of your ball before you can take the drop.
Bunker relief has specific rules: If your ball is unplayable in a bunker, lateral and back on the line drops must land and come to rest within the bunker for a one-stroke penalty — escaping the bunker via back on the line relief costs two penalty strokes.
Next time you find your ball in a difficult spot, run through the three options before you pick it up — knowing which relief suits your situation best could save you a stroke and a headache. This video is ideal for players who want to feel genuinely confident about the rules rather than relying on guesswork or other people’s advice.
