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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