Rules on the course
The E-5 Two-Stroke Lost-Ball Local Rule
The two-stroke alternative is optional for a Committee to adopt. It is not a universal right to drop in a fairway after any lost ball.
Competitive Play · Updated October 22, 2026
Three fictional holes; the same two-point test
1. Lost beside a straight fairway
B is the estimated resting point. F is the closest eligible point on this same-hole fairway; the equal-distance arc cuts off its nearer portion.
- H
- Hole: the dashed rays start here; the dotted arc is equal distance to B.
- B
- Ball reference point: estimate the rest position for a lost ball or the last crossing for an out-of-bounds ball.
- F
- Fairway reference point on this hole, not nearer H than B. Light green shows the declared short-grass polygon.
- D
- One example drop-and-rest spot inside the blue area. Other qualifying spots are possible; blue does not mean all fairway.
2. Out of bounds beside a dogleg
B is the last boundary crossing, not the ball’s final position outside the course. F is the nearest eligible corner. The white course boundary excludes everything to its right.
- H
- Hole: the dashed rays start here; the dotted arc is equal distance to B.
- B
- Ball reference point: estimate the rest position for a lost ball or the last crossing for an out-of-bounds ball.
- F
- Fairway reference point on this hole, not nearer H than B. Light green shows the declared short-grass polygon.
- D
- One example drop-and-rest spot inside the blue area. Other qualifying spots are possible; blue does not mean all fairway.
3. Lost near the putting green
The green, sand bunker and red penalty area are excluded even where the line-and-distance tests pass. F is the nearest eligible corner of the short grass behind the green.
- H
- Hole: the dashed rays start here; the dotted arc is equal distance to B.
- B
- Ball reference point: estimate the rest position for a lost ball or the last crossing for an out-of-bounds ball.
- F
- Fairway reference point on this hole, not nearer H than B. Light green shows the declared short-grass polygon.
- D
- One example drop-and-rest spot inside the blue area. Other qualifying spots are possible; blue does not mean all fairway.
The two-club-length bands are measured sideways from the reference lines, not as a circle around F. Only the drawn window is shown; the region can continue back. For a qualifying first tee shot, count 1 played + 2 penalty = 3, so the next stroke is 4.
These are original teaching inputs, not surveyed holes or proof of adoption. An unplayable ball and a ball known or virtually certain in a penalty area do not qualify. A referee must review real boundaries and procedure.
The short version
- Read the actual adopted Local Rule first.
- Ball and fairway reference points have different definitions.
- The relief area stays in the general area and not nearer the hole than the ball reference point.
Build the area from facts, not convenience
For a missing on-course ball, estimate where it came to rest. For an out-of-bounds ball, use the estimated last boundary-crossing point. The fairway reference is the nearest point of fairway on the hole being played that is not nearer the hole than the ball reference.
The adopted rule defines fairway for this purpose as general area cut to fairway height or less. Its area runs between the specified hole-to-reference lines with the stated two-club-length extensions. Course-area and no-nearer limits still cut that region down; it is not permission to choose any fairway lie.
Keep the penalty in the score
In Ava’s fictional case, her first stroke is lost and she puts a ball into play under adopted E-5. Add two penalty strokes. Her next actual stroke is stroke 4. Calling it “a two-stroke drop” must not make the original stroke disappear.
An unplayable ball or a ball known or virtually certain in a penalty area does not qualify. If a provisional was played, E-5 is unavailable for the original; the Local Rule describes when it may apply to a provisional that itself cannot be found or is out of bounds.
A model notice is not proof of adoption
These three cases are explanatory scenarios, not an event notice. The actual course and competition may not adopt E-5, may limit its holes or have other conditions. Read the full wording before moving a ball.
For status of a second ball, use provisionals. For a qualifying drop that rolls out, use drop and placement procedures.
Official sources
Official provisions checked October 22, 2026. Read their full wording and current event conditions.
Your next move
Read the governing source
Check the complete official procedure and your event conditions before acting.
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