@Harriet - actually Oscar Wilde's initiative will totally solve your issue and is simpler and better than my earlier post.
Also with respect, I dont think Apple will invest time in such a bug if it is such, especially as there is a perfect work around with the following refinement using 3 Key Commands ( which if you use them enough, and get really familiar with them you will achieve your desired goal in split seconds):
1/ Navigate to any position you want the Playhead to return. If you are in Score View and dont have the rule just Option Click the Playhead or click on a Note and use the Key Command Go to Selection - the playhead will jump to that precise point.
2/ Once the Playhead is in the desired position, use the Key Command 'Set left locator by Playhead'
3/ When you want to return to that position and play from there hit the Key Command 'Play from Left Locator' and you wont even need to touch the Space Bar 😉