Lost Ball in Lateral Hazard

Question
If i hit my ball into a lateral hazard and was not able to find it.  Do I consider that as a lost ball and have to go back to my original spot or can I have the option to drop two club links from where my ball entered and play from there?

Answer
Hello:  Along with the first option of playing it from the hazard, you have 4 others:
1.  Drop a ball within 2 club lengths from where the ball last crossed the margin.
2.  Keeping the point where the ball last crossed the margin between you and the hole, you may drop a ball anywhere along that line.
3.  Determine the point on the opposite side of the hazard that is the same distance from the hole as the point the ball last crossed and you can drop a ball within two club lengths from there.
4.  Invoke the stroke and distance penalty.

Fairways and Greens,

John
www.golfnutts.com