penalty drop from bunker

Question
I understand from Rule 28 "Unplayable Ball" that I can elect under a penalty of one stroke to drop the ball out of a bunker having declared it unplayable but am unsure as to whether I have to go back to where I originally played the ball from.

Answer
Greetings Stephanie,

The player may deem a ball unplayable anyplace on the course, except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable. Under Rule 28, there are 3 options from which you may proceed after declaring your ball "unplayable":

Under the penalty of one stroke....

   (a)Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. Rule 20-5, or

   (b)Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping the point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped; or

   (c)Drop a ball within two club lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.

****If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, the player may proceed under Clause a, b or c. If he elects to proceed under Clause b or c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker.

So you see Stephanie, there are three options within the given situation. In a lot of cases, the Rules and Decisions of Golf may in fact help the next shot be a better one. Knowing you options can enhance your next shot. Good Luck and keep swinging!!!