[Does the Relief Area extend both above and below the ground?]

Thank you cnosil 

[Does the Relief Area extend both above and below the ground?]

Player takes relief and correctly drops the ball, but it does not hit the ground but lodges in a branch of a very small bush/shurb which is in the Relief Area.

Is the ball in Play or does it need to be redropped?

I could only find the following reference in Clarification Relief Area/1 but does this apply to all relief areas or only apply to Back on the Line Relief?  

“When taking back-on-the-line relief or if a dropping zone is being used as a relief area, as there is no reference point, the ball is in the relief area when any part of the ball touches or overhangs the relief area.” 

TIA  : )

[Declaring a ball unplayable]

Rule 19 covers the relief options for an unplayable ball.

R19.2a states that Stroke and Distance is a relief option

[LOST BALL AND LOST PROVISIONAL BALL]

Rule 18.2b tells us what to do when a ball is lost or out of bounds. Player can always decided to take stroke and distance penalty for one penalty. In this case hitting 5 off the tee. Or player can choice to invoke MLRE-5 (rule book / app has lots of examples of where to drop) and would be playing 6

[Bunker full of water]

4 hours ago, benb1989 said:

Thanks, my query is not so much about the relief I'm allowed. It's to do with the fact I couldn't retrieve my ball from the water in the bunker as it could not be reached. Am I allowed to take relief with another ball or do I need to wade in and get the ball. From the replies it would appear I need to somehow retrieve the ball 

Yes you always substitute another ball when taking relief. See rule 6.3b(1).

Haapy New Year everyone

[Bunker full of water]

From USGA faq
https://www.usga.org/RulesFAQ/rules_answer2019.asp?FAQidx=205&Rule=0&Topic=3

[Lateral water hazard]

No you can’t presume. I suggest you get a rule book or the R&A app on your phone and read the definitions of Known and Virtually Certain and Lost Ball. Rule 17 and 18 refer to these situations.

Happy reading