Golf hazards: How to navigate your options

WHEN a golf ball enters a hazard, the player has several options to choose from. You can choose to play your ball from the hazard, but be aware that you may incur a penalty stroke if your ball is lost, out of bounds or unplayable.

- NISHARLAN SEWGOLUM

Alternatively, you can take a drop behind the hazard, keeping the point where the ball crossed the hazard line between the hole and the drop point.

This option incurs a one-stroke penalty. You can also take a lateral drop, dropping a ball within two club-lengths of the point where the ball crossed the hazard line, no closer to the hole.

This option also incurs a one-stroke penalty.