Dear Linda:
Here in the UK we've had a horrendous 12 months for heavy
rain, with many courses suffering badly. On our course, one of the water
hazards is prone to overflowing whenever we get significant rain.
My question, therefore, is: Which takes precedence in
determining the extent of a hazard, the red stakes or the natural edge of the
actual water? In other words, my ball could be in quite deep water, but outside
the red stakes. Do I take free relief (for casual water) or penalty relief (for
a water hazard)?
Many thanks, Linda, for the excellent service you provide to
golfers everywhere.
Regards,
Lou from England
Dear Lou,
The stakes define the margin of the hazard. When water
overflows a hazard, the water outside
the stakes is casual water. The depth of the water is irrelevant.
If there is universal agreement that your ball did not pass
the red stakes and land in the lateral hazard, your ball is lost in casual
water. You are entitled to free relief under Rule 25-1b: Drop a ball within one club-length of the nearest point of relief that is no closer to the hole, not in the hazard or on the putting green. Since your ball is lost, your reference point for finding relief is where the ball last crossed the margin of the casual water.
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
