What should a player do if their ball is deemed lost?

When a player’s ball is deemed lost, the appropriate action according to the Rules of Golf is to take a stroke and distance penalty. This means that the player must return to the spot where the last stroke was taken and play another ball from there. The penalty incurred is one stroke, and the player adds that stroke to their score for the hole.

This procedure maintains the integrity of the game by ensuring that players cannot gain any advantage from a lost ball situation. The stroke and distance rule is fundamental in golf as it encourages players to keep track of their shots and promotes accountability.

Other options might seem appealing, but they do not align with the established rules. For instance, returning to the last known position without taking a penalty does not reflect the requirement of stroke and distance; dropping a new ball without a penalty is not permitted in this circumstance; and asserting that there are no options overlooks the clear procedures provided by the rules, specifically regarding lost balls. Therefore, taking a stroke and distance penalty is the correct response when a ball is deemed lost.