Lateral Water Hazard - Rule 26

Lateral Water Hazards are indicated by red stakes or lines. Rule 26 provides four options where a player may drop a ball under a one-stroke penalty to gain relief from a lateral water hazard. To proceed under the water hazard rule, it must be known or virtually certain that the ball is lost in the water hazard - otherwise the player must proceed under the lost ball rule. (Rule 27)

OPTIONS:

1. Play the ball as it lies (no penalty) or;

Under a penalty of one stroke:

2. Play a ball under the stroke and distance procedure; or

3. Drop behind hazard where the ball last crossed the hazard line keeping that point in line with the hole with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped; or

4. Drop within 2 club lengths from the point of entry into the hazard; or

5. Drop 2 club-lengths from the opposite margin, equidistant from the hole.

Yellow stakes and lines identify a water hazard and only the first three options above are available.

To view or print a summary of this Rule for club postings, click here.