Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Ask Linda #684-GUR next to lateral hazard


Hi Linda,
A large area of ground beside a lateral water hazard has been marked as GUR from which play is prohibited.
If your ball lands in the water hazard and the point of entry into the water hazard was through the GUR, can you take a penalty drop in the GUR and then continue with the GUR Rule 25, i.e., nearest point of relief?
Basically - can you take a penalty drop from a hazard into GUR?
Some of the members thought it would be better to have a drop zone with a free drop for a ball in GUR and a penalty drop for a ball in the lateral water hazard.
I am actually on the committee but we have various opinions as to how to proceed.
I look forward to your reply.
Lulu from Scotland

Dear Lulu,

If the two-club-length relief from the lateral hazard is in ground under repair (GUR), the player must drop the ball in the GUR. Since play is prohibited from the GUR, the player will have to remove the ball from the GUR and drop in accordance with Rule 25-1. The drop out of the hazard incurs a one-stroke penalty; the drop from the GUR is free.

It is difficult for me to advise you on whether to establish a Dropping Zone without first-hand knowledge of the conditions. Generally, you would only establish a Dropping Zone if it is not feasible or practicable to drop in accordance with the Rules. If conditions in the GUR are such that walking in the area would destroy new growth (as an example), a Dropping Zone would be advisable.

Linda
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