Water Hazard

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

A hole has a loch with a loch side running parallel with and down the RHS of the fairway. Ball from LHS of fairway is struck into the loch. The loch is not marked as a lateral water hazard or normal water hazard (no red or yellow posts and not out of bounds) and the edge of the loch is indistinct. The only access to the loch is the side in question. Assume no access to any other ground around the loch other than from the fairway being played.

Apart from playing S&D, what other options does the player have?

BTW - I know I should know but my mind is a blank

 

[MashieNiblick]

See definition of lateral water hazard and Decision 26/3.

From the description it would seem that, although unmarked, it is by definition a lateral water hazard, so you would have the usual LWH options as set out in Rule 26/1.

 

[backwoodsman]

It's still a water hazard even though it may not be marked as such. The definitions say "A "water hazard" is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course".

Given your description you'll have to treat as a lateral water hazard I think.

Edit: Damn - beaten by Mashie - but glad I got the same answer.

 

[KenL]

Does it say anything with regard to local rules? A course I was previously a member of had a river running along two holes. This was regarded as OOB. For years it was not marked as so but it eventually had white posts put along the edge of the fairway.

 

[atticusfinch]

A hole has a loch with a loch side running parallel with and down the RHS of the fairway. Ball from LHS of fairway is struck into the loch. The loch is not marked as a lateral water hazard or normal water hazard (no red or yellow posts and not out of bounds) and the edge of the loch is indistinct. The only access to the loch is the side in question. Assume no access to any other ground around the loch other than from the fairway being played.

Apart from playing S&D, what other options does the player have?

BTW - I know I should know but my mind is a blank

In the absence of markings you proceed according to the nature of the feature. This is probably a lateral water hazard. Four options under rule 26-1.

 

[Colin L]

In the absence of markings you proceed according to the nature of the feature. This is probably a lateral water hazard. Four options under rule 26-1.

I think that’s what Mashieniblick said.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Of course I should ask Virtuocity and Turkish as it's on their course - and it was Turkish who decided to give his ball a dook. I just wondered in general if there was no Local Rule. I admit I didn't actually know about a Lateral Water Hazard being one by definition rather than having to be marked. Will go have a look at the rule to see what defines the edge of the LWH in such circumstances.

 

[turkish]

LOL Thanks for sticking me in it SILH

We should actually have looked at the back of the scorecard as all the local rules on this- the loch is so far out the way I have never previously had to check the rule :angry: Such a terrible shot

I think we played it correctly by dropping at point of entry but will double check next time I have a card

Edit: just looked at club diary no local rule in place so must be lateral water hazard so guessing dropping at point of entry is the right move?

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

LOL Thanks for sticking me in it SILH

We should actually have looked at the back of the scorecard as all the local rules on this- the loch is so far out the way I have never previously had to check the rule :angry: Such a terrible shot

I think we played it correctly by dropping at point of entry but will double check next time I have a card

Edit: just looked at club diary no local rule in place so must be lateral water hazard so guessing dropping at point of entry is the right move?

Not far enough for some of the unmentionable type shot I excel in

 

[williamalex1]

Not far enough for some of the unmentionable type shot I excel in

Was this the hole where my partner still managed a net 4 :rofl:

 

[turkish]

Haha Twas indeed. only one bad shot

 

[williamalex1]

Haha Twas indeed. only one bad shot

Did you spend or invest your £3 , we may have to set up a standing order , and report a regular income.:rofl:

 

[backwoodsman]

Of course I should ask Virtuocity and Turkish as it's on their course - and it was Turkish who decided to give his ball a dook. I just wondered in general if there was no Local Rule. I admit I didn't actually know about a Lateral Water Hazard being one by definition rather than having to be marked. Will go have a look at the rule to see what defines the edge of the LWH in such circumstances.

Decision 33-2a/4 Where to Place Lines or Stakes Defining Margin of Water Hazard

Lines and stakes defining the margins of a water hazard should be placed as nearly as possible along the natural limits of the hazard, i.e., where the ground breaks down to form the depression containing the water.

In the absence of the stakes or lines, I guess you use the same description to define the margin?