It's amazing how few players know what to do when they find themselves in these situations. So first, we are going to explain the different types of water hazards, how they are marked, and then how to proceed. We will begin with the Standard Water Hazard:DEFINITION: A water hazard is any sea, lake, river, ditch, surface draining ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course. All ground and water within the margin of a water hazard are part of the water hazard. A ball is in a water hazard when it lies in, or any part of it touches the water hazard. When the margin of a water hazard is defined by stakes, the stakes are inside the water hazard, and the margin of the hazard is defined by the nearest outside points of the stakes at ground level. When both stakes and lines are used to indicate a water hazard, the stakes identify the hazard and the lines define the hazard margin. When the margin of a water hazard is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is in the water hazard. The margin of a water hazard extends vertically upwards and downwards. A ball is in a water hazard when it lies in or touches any part of the water hazard.Stakes used to define the margin or identify a water hazard are obstructions.Note 1: Stakes or lines used to define the margin or identify a water hazard must be yellow.Note 2: The committee may make a local rule prohibiting play from an environmentally-sensitive area defined as a water hazard.Here is the scenario:You are playing a short par 3 and must carry a small pond to reach the green. The pond is marked with yellow stakes. Much to your surprise, your tee shot splashes down in the pond. You have three choices:1. If your ball is playable, you may play it as it lies with no penalty being careful not to ground your club while addressing the ball or on your takeway. (Figure A-1)2. Mark the spot where your ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard, line the spot up with the flagstick, and go back on a straight line as far as you like and drop your ball. You now lie two and are playing your thrid shot. (Figure A-3)3. You may take the stroke and distance penalty and replay your last shot. You know lie two and are playing your third shot. (Figure A-3) In some cases, usually to speed up play, the "committee" may designate a "Drop Area" usually closer to the green where the water is not a factor where you may drop your ball under penalty of one stroke. RULE 26: LATERAL WATER HAZARDSDefinition: A "Lateral Water Hazard" is a water hazard or that part of a water hazard so situated that it is not possible, or is deemed by the committee to be impracticable, to drop a ball behind the water hazard in accordance with Rule 26-1B That part of a water hazard to be played as a lateral water hazard should be distinctively marked.Note: Lateral Water Hazards should be defined by red stakes or lines.Here is the scenario:You are playing a Par 4 with a lateral water hazard on the right, running the entire length of the hole. You slice your drive directly into it. Here are your options:1. You may play the ball as it lies with no penatly being careful not to ground your club while addressing the ball or on your takeaway. (Figure B-1)2. Drop your ball on the other side of the hazard on a line formed by the flagstick and the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard. (Figure B-2) You will now be playing your third shot.3. Take the "Stroke and Distance" penalty and replay your last shot. You will now be playing your third shot. (Figure B-3)4. Drop within two club lengths of the spot where your ball last crossed the margin of the hazard. You will now be playing your third shot. (Figure B-4)5. Drop on the other side of the hazard equal distance from the hole as the spot where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard. You will now be playing your third shot. (Figure B-5)In our next issue we will walk you through the proper procedure for dropping the ball under the rules as well as taking relief from a variety of circumstances. So until then, study hard and play harder.
