Test Your Knowledge – Lateral Water Hazard!

You just hit your ball into an area of the golf course marked with RED stakes which indicates a lateral water hazard. In other words, the water runs alongside or adjacent to the fairway rather than across it. You heard the “plop” and the ball is in the water. What are your options?

• The first option is to drop a ball within two club lengths away (but not nearer the hole) from the point where the ball entered the hazard.
• The second option is to go to the opposite side of the hazard (if that is even possible) and take a drop. The spot must be equidistant from the hole.

One note: a ball is considered in the hazard when it lies in the hazard itself or any part of the ball is touching the hazard (and that includes the stakes and lines as well).

If you are interested in more on this rule go to Rule 26-1 from the Offical Rules of Golf.