If you hit a ball into an a yard next to the course what is the ruling wither or not if relief is justfied vs. carving up the guys yard or is it just considered out of play, take a penalty stroke and drop a ball in play?

Most times, yards are marked as OB, which would mean you would have to replay your shot from the previous location.

Yeah, considered that but with some of these public courses anymore almost dont dare risk upsetting anyone by going and rehitting my drive. Didn't realize it crossed over into the lawn by 15 ft on the dog leg until we walked to it. (on foot today) I treated it like a hazard and penalized myself one stroke and dropped it about a club length onto the rough. First game in 3 yrs and probably the 10th since 2004. Finally have the time for golf again. Horrible opening day though. finished 46 on a par 38, 9 hole if I recall correctly. Longest drive maybe 185, a far cry from th 280-300average I left in 2004. sucking on my drives and I dont have a club to make up the dustance to the green. Layup to the green is ok and put not bad.

Assuming the OOB is marked and/or named in a local rule, you just gotta'go back and replay (or DQ since you know the rule and choose to break it). That'll teach you to hit a provisional there next time .

If you think it may be close to OB, hit a provisional. This will keep you from having to go back and hit again.

If you don't hit a provisional, and you are playing a casual round (non tournament) and don't want to go back so as not to hold up the group behind, take a drop but also take "2" penalty strokes. This comes the closest to the stroke and distance penalty.