Linda–
The boundaries of a water hazard are defined by yellow
markers and/or a line:
1. What if one of the markers goes missing and there is no
line? Is the area no longer within the remaining markers within the hazard?
2. What if the water level comes above the edges of the pond
and onto the fairway? Is that water casual water or deemed to be in the hazard?
Lou from the UK
Dear Lou,
1. The absence of a water hazard stake does not change the
status of the hazard. If a ball lies within the natural boundaries of a water
hazard, it is in the hazard. You may be able to determine the official boundary
by sighting between the nearest remaining markers, or you may be able to find the
hole where the missing stake was set in the ground. In the absence of markers,
it is the player’s responsibility to determine whether his ball lies in the
hazard. The determining factor is the “line” where the ground begins to break
down to form the hazard.
2. Any water that overflows a hazard and is outside the
margin of the hazard (past the stakes or line) is casual water. You are
entitled to free relief [Decision 25/2].
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
