I sent WGT a comment, and I know I have been around long enough now that I should know better but what I am finding annoying is there is no clear designation of areas that are considered OOB or lost ball and those that are simply deep rough.
I have "lost balls" on Erin Hills (most recently), Olympic, and Merion in areas that I have also played shots from in the rough or "hazard area"... how can a ball be deemed in play and OOB or hazard the next.
We know the possible outcome if we attempt a shot over a water hazard, but this is not a given with rough, heather, or just what may be a twilight zone area. Sometimes we will be given a shot in those areas and other times it is declared a lost ball. There is no consistency other than WGT deciding it is time to take another ball from you.
If I know WGT is going to possibly take a ball because the area is now considered OOB or Lost ball territory, I will modify my play because the ball is far more valuable than one single stroke or risking a penalty shot. I have no problem playing smart course management. I just find it problematic when the "rules" or areas play differently than they have in other times.
Yes, I know some will say it is like real life you can lose a ball in the rough or fairway on particularly soggy days if you plug a ball. But we are playing a video game and nothing is truly lost, unless the game deems the ball to be lost. WGT sets the parameters of such instances and sometimes they allow you to play a shot and other times the software decides to take a ball. This is just a bit frustrating...
Either mark the areas as OOB, designate them, lost ball territory, or put up stakes or red, yellow, or white lines so players can make appropriate decisions rather than be surprised by an adverse outcome...