Hazard or Casual Water

[AmandaJR]

I can't recall this being asked so...played today and the lakes are all higher than I've seen them. On the first it has come up through the reeds, through the tree line and probably 2-3 metres or so past the lone red stake I could see. So if the ball can be seen between the stake and the new water line is it in the hazard? I'd assume it is as previous reference to the natural boundary being the hazard margin rather than the stakes...

Or...

 

[fundy]

pretty sure this came up before xmas and the experts decreed it as casual water as its outside the line of the hazard, hopefully someone will confirm later or ill have a look at the rule book

 

[Colin L]

Amanda,

Any overflow of water beyond the marked margin of the water hazard is casual water.

The reference is Decision 25-2
http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-25/#25/2

 

[MashieNiblick]

Yes indeed this did come up recently. Well, with the weather it had to.

http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/showthread.php?48206-Water-hazard-or-casual-water

If water overflows the margin of the hazard it's casual water.

 

[AmandaJR]

Thanks guys. Forearmed is forewarned as we have our Mail on Sunday match at the weekend!

 

[Foxholer]

Thanks guys. Forearmed is forewarned as we have our Mail on Sunday match at the weekend!

Once you've visualised your shot, don't think about the water. Think about the shot you have visualised. Otherwise water suddenly gains 'magnetic to golf balls' properties! :angry:

Of course, before visualising the shot, be aware of potential hazards.

 

[AmandaJR]

Just a thought - what if there was no stake visible (all floated away!) but a player knew approximately where the original margin was?

Foxholer - was thinking when my oppo plops in the water :thup:

 

[Colin L]

If you know where the margin is without the stakes and you are certain your ball is not beyond it or touching it, then it is in casual water. If you aren't certain, then you would need to consider it to be in the hazard ie resolve the doubt against the player.

 

[AmandaJR]

If you know where the margin is without the stakes and you are certain your ball is not beyond it or touching it, then it is in casual water. If you aren't certain, then you would need to consider it to be in the hazard ie resolve the doubt against the player.

Thanks Colin. The reeds are normally at the edge of the hazard so any water beyond that we could consider is casual.