In this podcast Ron Commans untangles what is perhaps the most difficult rule in golf to understand.  Responding to an email question from a Wisley Member, “can I hit a provisional on Mill no. 6?”, a question that surely resonates with others, Ron first strips away what doesn’t matter (3:29), then zeros in on the critical element (6:46). Two pretend scenarios are used as illustrations (7:47 and 9:20). Then the main point, the one thing to take away from this episode comes at (11:45) i.e., that penalty areas are different from out-of-bounds and lost balls in that you are allowed to play from them. On that distinction the whole thing hinges. Fail to recognise that and the player will never understand this rule. Finally, a story about Rory McIlroy drives the point home (14:59).