When playing a hole, I usually choose a massivley different line to get to the green than my playing partners. 

They go straight down the fairway of the hole we are playing, whereas I see a better line to the flag from the fairway on the next hole, or one that is adjacent.  It usually takes me closer to hazards, but is more risky better reward and usually pays off.

But I was thinking recently that this would be classed as going out of bounds, or even cheating, but have never been pulled up about it.

Which is it?

Adam...It's not how you do it, it's how many shots it takes that counts.

A couple of times I have used the same method....Making sure the adjacent fairway is clear of course!   The 17th, at my club, has a very narrow fairway, with major trouble down the right, and not much better down the left... Mind you, the second shot has to be darn good as you are faced with green side bunkers and a load of rough to negotiate

Unless there are white stakes marking it as out of bounds, then it is up to you how you get to the hole.  The game is difficult enough and thinking your way to the hole is the best way to take shots off your card.  It's definitly not cheating and I've seen pros do it. 

I quite often do it, although rarely on purpose!  It's just that if I've paid £25 for a round I want to see as much of the course as possible! 

Phew!

David, that is what I reckoned (with the caveat as Chris mentioned of white stakes/ OOB areas).  I usually end up having to wait for a four ball to clear to implement my strategy.

I just kind of felt I was 'taking a flyer' by going down the other clear fairways, it usually makes a par 5 into a nice birdie, or at least par for me, whereas the 'direct' line is at least 3 up, frought with hazard and frustration, leading to a 3+ putt!!

At least now I can lay my mind to rest that I am just experimenting with course craft, and taking a wee wander (a la tim hawkins) round the course a little different to everyone else!

Cheers

A