Linda,
My son was in a tournament today. His approach went astray
inside a water hazard line but not in the water. There was absolute certainty
that the ball entered the hazard, and the spot where it entered the hazard was
known. The ball was next to a “mother” alligator and three babies. He was told
that since he couldn’t identify his ball he had to declare it lost.
I wasn’t there but I assume that using Rule 26 (1 penalty
stroke) wouldn’t have gotten him safely away from the alligators, but wouldn’t Decision
1-4/10 apply, allowing him to be able to go back towards where he hit the ball
(remaining in hazard) and getting a free drop when at a safe distance from
alligators?
Thank you.
Lou from North Carolina
Dear Lou,
Decision 1-4/10 is not applicable. The player must be able to identify his ball in order to take free relief from a dangerous situation. There was no way to confirm that the ball near the alligator belonged to your son, absent testimony from a spectator. However, all of the relief options in Rule 26-1 were available, as it was known that the ball was in the hazard.
I am confused as to why your son was told that he had to proceed as if he had a lost ball. His ball was seen to enter the hazard. There was no doubt that the ball lay somewhere in the hazard. When there is knowledge or virtual certainty that a ball lies in a water hazard, there is no requirement to identify that ball if the player chooses to take water hazard relief. Indeed, if there were an identification requirement, the only relief option for a ball under the water would be to play under stroke and distance (or pack scuba-diving equipment in the golf bag to enable retrieval of the ball). The Rules provide several relief options; the Committee may not deny players any of these options.
Your son was entitled to choose one of the relief options in Rule 26-1.
Linda
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