My second shot landed on an island located within a water
hazard. As the hazard was dry, I could climb up on the island. I would
appreciate your reply to the following questions:
1. Status of such island in golf rules.
2. Can I ground my club while addressing
the ball?
3. Can I get a free drop outside the
hazard?
4. What is the status of this island if it
was in a lateral water hazard?
Thanks,
Lou from Pakistan
Dear Lou,
The Definition of “Water Hazard” states that “all ground and
water within the margin of a water hazard are part of the water hazard.” I will
answer your questions based on the assumption that there are no stakes or lines
around the perimeter of the island to indicate that it is not part of the
hazard.
1. The island is part of the hazard.
2. You may not ground your club when you address the ball.
3. All of the relief options in Rule 26-1 for a ball in a
water hazard include one penalty stroke.
4. An island within a water hazard or a lateral water hazard is in the hazard
unless there are stakes or lines around the perimeter of the island indicating
it is not part of the hazard.
Linda
Copyright © 2014 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
