free drop from a path, but ball is in a hazard?

[patricks148]

We have a path which runs from the side of the 4th Green all the way to the 7th green and the end of the course. the other side of this path in the Moray firth and the sea defenses. This area is a red staked water hazard and borders the path most of the way.

All Green keepers paths were designated as a compulsory free drop a couple of year ago due to H&S. they were previously part of the course and you could play or take a penalty drop. As sone of this is gravel chip, it was decided it was dangerous for the bloody ramblers who mistakenly think these are public foot paths.

Anyway.

playing a friendly knock last week, my playing partners ball was in the hazard, but is standing on the path so takes a free drop, but his ball is in the hazard.

what should the ruling be?
R

 

[rulefan]

As relief from an Immovable Obstruction is not available for a ball in a water hazard then he must either play it as it lies or take penalty relief from the hazard. If after taking relief from the hazard there is interference from the path, he must then take free relief from the path.