” I’m with you. Intentionally incurring a penalty is a violation of the general spirit of the game. “
LOL! The rules of golf allow you to intentionally incur penalties.
Yep - you can declare any ball (except in a water hazard) you wish as “unplayable.” One-stroke penalty, and you are on your way.
Defensive ends do it all the time. Standard play in football is to comit any offense to prevent a touchdown....perfectly logical!!!