A recent change in the rules now means that a golfer may drop the ball one arms length in any direction they like when replacing a lost or unplayable ball, whilst still taking a penalty stroke.

Of course, it goes without saying that clandestine drops either via a hole in the pocket or from the bottom edge of the pocket using the thumb and two fingers to "flick" the ball onto the fairway. Again it goes without saying, that these drops do not occur any penalty.