Water hazard?

[WGCRider]

Was playing today and my partners drive ended up in an area that would normally be to the right of a water hazard. The water hazard is red staked. I know the course well and in summer this area would be fairway. The ball was 8-10m to the right of the last red stake but still in ankle deep water. For the avoidance of doubt the water is continues from the hazard all the way past his ball. My view at the time was that this is an abnormal course condition and he should get free relief. Is this correct or is it a penalty?

 

[Steven Rules]

You are correct. In the circumstance you describe, the ball is in the general area and free relief would be available under Rule 16.1b.

The term is penalty area, not water hazard.