Dealing With Water Know The Rules
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Golf.
Dealing With Water Hazards in Golf: Know the Rules
Water hazards are a significant source of penalty strokes in golf, often leading to debates over rule interpretation. Understanding these rules is crucial, particularly when a match is at stake or you're aiming for a personal best.
Understanding the Rules
In golf, a water hazard includes seas, lakes, ponds, rivers, ditches, and other similar areas, marked with yellow stakes and lines. However, there’s also the concept of a lateral water hazard, which is part of a water hazard deemed impractical to drop behind, marked with red stakes or lines.
What to Do if You Hit Into Water
1. Play from the Original Spot: You can replay your shot from where the original ball was played.
2. Drop Behind the Water Hazard: Drop a ball behind the point where it entered the hazard, aligning it with the hole. You can drop as far back as needed.
3. Play from the Hazard: Though rarely recommended, you can play the ball where it lies within the water.
4. Lateral Water Hazard Options: Drop a ball within two club lengths from where it crossed the hazard, ensuring it’s not closer to the hole.
Common Controversies
A frequent issue is determining where the ball last crossed into the hazard, not where it landed in the water. Determine the final spot on dry land within the red or yellow stakes to decide your next step. The lateral hazard rule allows dropping on either side, provided it’s within two club lengths and not nearer to the hole.
Playing from the Water
Playing a ball from a hazard is rarely wise. For example, Payne Stewart once attempted this during the 1989 Ryder Cup, only to lose the hole and match. Be cautious with this choice.
Grounding the Club
If you play from the water, grounding your club during address incurs a penalty?"two strokes in medal play or loss of the hole in match play, similar to rules in a bunker.
Conclusion
Knowing these rules won’t automatically improve your handicap, but understanding your options can prevent unnecessary penalties. Always weigh your choices carefully, and if you’re unsure during a tournament, consult an official.
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