unplayable ball?

a question regarding when a ball is unplayable. My interpretation of the rule is that a player can deem his ball unplayable, apart from when in a water hazard. So if i tee off and am against the base of a tree (anywhere around the base) can i declare my ball unplayable because i can't take a fair stance or swing.

Sure - apart from Water Hazards - any where you like and for any reason, its your decision no-one elses.

So that includes out in the open on the fairway if you want, let alone when up against a tree.

The oft quoted example is when you mis hit your putt and it rolls off an elevated green and down the slope into the fairway twenty yards away - rather take on a possibly tricky little pitch you are entitled to declare the ball unplayable and take the putt again.

Costs you a penalty and your friends might not like it but hey sometimes the rules can help!

I've never thought of that... that's not a bad idea!