Clarification on rule 28 i think

I think its rule 28. If i hit a ball and it goes in a bush or anything else thats not a water hazard or yellow/red steaked. i can say thats unplayble and take a 1 stroke penalty, then i can either a) drop the ball 2 club lenghts no closer the hole or b) take the ball as far back as i want keeping the flag inline with where the ball ended up?

First is b correct?

 and if i do b whats the rule on dropping on a winter tee matt 

Matt,

If you've played from the tee, you can go back to the tee as well. With b) you have to keep the whole of the hazard in line with the flag. I don't think it matters where you drop it, I know people that have dropped on a grassed tee area to ensure a nice lie.

John.

Why didn't you go back to the tee?, surely this would have improved your chances?? Your playing 3 off the tee or playing 3 from a dodgy drop??

Three things you can do....

1)  Go back to your original position (in this case back to the tee).  If you saw your ball going towards the bushes you could have hit a provisional ball while you were still on the tee!

2)  Drop the ball, keeping the position the ball was found in a direct line with the flag (so keeping the bush in your way).

3)  Drop the ball within two club lengths, but not nearer the hole.

The normal rule on a golf course is that you play the ball where it lies, the only exception is when it lies on a green other than the one you're playing at.  So dropping the ball onto a winter mat would have been allowed.

Russ