Jason Day's 18th hole hazard drop

[BGA member]

Missed the explanation of the ruling please explain

I missed the explanation of the ruling and wife erased the tourny coverage but here's the situation. Jason Day goes in the water hazard on 18 Sunday on the right side of the hazard (looking at the hole form the fariway). He entered the water on the right side, he dropped on the left side of a pretty large water hazard, which his ball never got close to making it to the left side. Supposedly he had 5 options on where he could drop. The hazard was red stakes, I'm kind of new to the game but i have never seen someone have that kind of drop. I guess the "typical" water hazard rule my friends and I play to is, drop where you crossed the edge of the hazard or if the ball made it over the hazard line on the other side of the water and rolled back in you could drop from the other side. Can someone help me out here without gjiving me the "rule book quote".

[marrigo]

[color="#474747"][size="2"]
[b]26-1. Relief for Ball in Water Hazard[/b]
[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"]It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] is in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url]. In order to apply this Rule, it must be known or virtually certain that the ball is in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url]. In the absence of such knowledge or certainty, the player must proceed under Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14306#27-1"]27-1[/url].[/size][/color]

[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"]If a ball is in a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] or if it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] (whether the ball lies in water or not), the player may[color="#CD2129"]under penalty of one stroke:[/color][/size][/color]

[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][b]a.[/b] Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14292#20-5"]20-5[/url]); or[/size][/color]

[size="3"][color="#808080"][b]b[/b].[/color][color="#808080"] Drop a ball behind the [/color][url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i][color="#808080"]water hazard[/color][/i][/url][color="#808080"], keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the [/color][url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i][color="#808080"]water hazard[/color][/i][/url][color="#808080"] directly between the [/color][url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hole"][i][color="#808080"]hole[/color][/i][/url][color="#808080"] and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the [/color][url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i][color="#808080"]water hazard[/color][/i][/url][color="#808080"] the ball may be dropped; or[/color][/size][color="#C0C0C0"]
[/color]
[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][b]c. [/b]As additional options available only if the ball last crossed the margin of a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#LateralWaterHazard"][i]lateral water hazard[/i][/url], drop a ball outside the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url]within two club-lengths of and not nearer the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hole"][i]hole[/i][/url] than[b] (i)[/b] the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] [b][color="#000000"]or(ii) a point on the opposite margin of the [/color][/b][url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i][b][color="#000000"]water hazard[/color][/b][/i][/url][b][color="#000000"] equidistant from the [/color][/b][url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hole"][i][b][color="#000000"]hole[/color][/b][/i][/url][b][color="#000000"].[/color][/b][/size][/color]

[/size][/color]

[tpariff]

He chose to drop within two club lengths of a spot on the opposite side of the lateral hazard. The rules official used a laser range finder to make sure that point was equidistant to the hole from the point where the ball entered the hazard.

I'm sure someone will post a link to the actual rule.

[teejaywhy]

post #2 shows the rule 26-1

The drop was accomplished under part C, option ii.

[BGA member]

Ok most courses I play are marked with red stakes at the water hole.Red stakes meaning hazard as that is with other areas as well not just water. Some are mareked red and yellow. I was told the yellow stakes mean its a lateral hazard, so if the ball fell dead cneter in the water i could drop within 2 clubs lengths laterally no closer to the hole. I didnt see yellow stakes on that water hazard on 18 only red, or is it up to the golf course itself what stakes are used for lateral or non lateral water hazards.

Sorry for my golf ingnorance but I have heard many different interpertations of the rules regarding hazards

[u]White Stakes[/u] - out of bounds

[u]Red Stakes-[/u] indicate hazard and must be played as if you were in the sand and can not ground your club

[u]Yellow Stakes-[/u] Lateral Hazard you can drop laterally to here the ball landed in the water. or hazard, not where it first crossed the hazard

[tpariff]

[quote name='BGA member' date='25 May 2010 - 10:37 AM' timestamp='1274798270' post='2466038']
Ok most courses I play are marked with red stakes at the water hole.Red stakes meaning hazard as that is with other areas as well not just water. Some are mareked red and yellow. I was told the yellow stakes mean its a lateral hazard, so if the ball fell dead cneter in the water i could drop within 2 clubs lengths laterally no closer to the hole. I didnt see yellow stakes on that water hazard on 18 only red, or is it up to the golf course itself what stakes are used for lateral or non lateral water hazards.

Sorry for my golf ingnorance but I have heard many different interpertations of the rules regarding hazards

[u]White Stakes[/u] - out of bounds

[u]Red Stakes-[/u] indicate hazard and must be played as if you were in the sand and can not ground your club

[u]Yellow Stakes-[/u] Lateral Hazard you can drop laterally to here the ball landed in the water. or hazard, not where it first crossed the hazard
[/quote]

Yellow and red are backwards. Red is a lateral hazard. Yellow is a hazard.

There shouldn't be "different interpretations" of the rules. The rules are the rules.

Kevin

[GStarks]

Red = Lateral water hazard

Yellow = Water hazard

White = Out Of Bounds / Ground Under Repair

Even though they are called water hazards they don't have to have water in them

[BGA member]

Thanks guys, been taking balls back to other sides of hazards when i could have come out laterally where the ball landed all this time! Im sure this will cause some issue for the guys I play with

[bluemonster]

And there are those semi rare situations where you have a lateral hazard with red stakes along two borders- like a stream. You can take the drop on the other side than the one you entered, as J Day did. We have one on our course that provides a real advantage- if you know the rule.

[marrigo]

[quote name='BGA member' date='25 May 2010 - 10:37 AM' timestamp='1274798270' post='2466038']
Ok most courses I play are marked with red stakes at the water hole.Red stakes meaning hazard as that is with other areas as well not just water. Some are mareked red and yellow. I was told the yellow stakes mean its a lateral hazard, so if the ball fell dead cneter in the water i could drop within 2 clubs lengths laterally no closer to the hole. I didnt see yellow stakes on that water hazard on 18 only red, or is it up to the golf course itself what stakes are used for lateral or non lateral water hazards.

Sorry for my golf ingnorance but I have heard many different interpertations of the rules regarding hazards

[u]White Stakes[/u] - out of bounds

[u]Red Stakes-[/u] indicate hazard and must be played as if you were in the sand and can not ground your club

[u]Yellow Stakes-[/u] Lateral Hazard you can drop laterally to here the ball landed in the water. or hazard, not where it first crossed the hazard
[/quote]

Re-read Rule 26-1 that I posted above, it is quite clear. You can even print it out and carry it in your bag in case you run into someone who "interprets" the rule differently.

See GStarks post clarifying stake color.

There is nothing in that rule about where the ball landed. You drop where it last crossed the margin of the lateral hazard or on the opposite margin.

You are correct that you cannot ground your club in a hazard, nor can you touch any loose impediments; see Rule 13-4.
[color="#474747"][size="2"]
[b]13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions[/b]
[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"]Except as provided in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Rules"][i]Rules[/i][/url], before making a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Stroke"][i]stroke[/i][/url] at a ball that is in a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] (whether a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Bunker"][i]bunker[/i][/url] or a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url]) or that, having been lifted from a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url], may be dropped or placed in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard,[/i][/url] the player must not:[/size][/color]

[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][color="#7F7F7F"]a.[/color] Test the condition of the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] or any similar [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url];[/size][/color]

[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][color="#7F7F7F"]b.[/color] Touch the ground in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] or water in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] with his hand or a club; or[/size][/color]

[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][color="#7F7F7F"]c.[/color] Touch or move a [i][url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#LooseImpediments"]loose impediment[/url][/i] lying in or touching the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url].[/size][/color]

[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"]Exceptions:[/size][/color]

[indent][color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][color="#7F7F7F"]1.[/color] Provided nothing is done that constitutes testing the condition of the[url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if the player (a) touches the ground or [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#LooseImpediments"][i]loose impediments[/i][/url] in any [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] or water in a[url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] as a result of or to prevent falling, in removing an[url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Obstructions"][i]obstruction[/i][/url], in measuring or in marking the position of, retrieving, lifting, placing or replacing a ball under any [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Rules"][i]Rule[/i][/url] or
(b) places his clubs in a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url].[/size][/color]

[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][color="#7F7F7F"]2.[/color] After making the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Stroke"][i]stroke,[/i][/url] if the ball is still in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] or has been lifted from the[i][url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"]hazard[/url][/i] and may be dropped or placed in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url], the player may smooth sand or soil in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url], provided nothing is done to breach Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14278#13-2"]13-2[/url] with respect to his next [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Stroke"][i]stroke[/i][/url]. If the ball is outside the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] after the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Stroke"][i]stroke[/i][/url], the player may smooth sand or soil in the[url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] without restriction.[/size][/color]

[color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][color="#7F7F7F"]3.[/color] If the player makes a[url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Stroke"][i] stroke[/i][/url] from a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard [/i][/url]and the ball comes to rest in another [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url], Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14278#13-4"]13-4a[/url] does not apply to any subsequent actions taken in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Hazards"][i]hazard[/i][/url] from which the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Stroke"][i]stroke[/i][/url] was made.[/size][/color]

[/indent][color="#7F7F7F"][size="3"][color="#7F7F7F"]Note:[/color] At any time, including at [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#AddressingtheBall"][i]address[/i][/url] or in the backward movement for the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Stroke"][i]stroke[/i][/url], the player may touch, with a club or otherwise, any [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Obstructions"][i]obstruction,[/i][/url]any construction declared by the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Committee"][i]Committee[/i][/url] to be an integral part of the[url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Course"][i]course[/i][/url] or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing.[/size][/color]

[/size][/color]

[Sawgrass]

[quote name='BGA member' date='25 May 2010 - 10:19 AM' timestamp='1274797187' post='2466003']
. . . I'm kind of new to the game but i have never seen someone have that kind of drop . . . Can someone help me out here without gjiving me the "rule book quote".
[/quote]


BGA, you say that you're new to the game, and I note that the friends you play with are not expert at the rules.

I also note that your request was to be helped "without giving me the 'rule book quote'."

I'll offer you the point of view that there is absolutely no substitute for the rule book quote. While it may seem difficult at first to follow the language in the rules, if you really care to follow them, it's ultimately much easier to follow the specific quote rather than someone else's paraphrase. There are often important details which will get you misdirected when following someone else's less specific language. You may build up confidence in the wrong actions, and unwinding that can really be upsetting, particularly if you decide to play in tournaments where your opponent has every right to insist that you play precisely by the rules.

IMO it's also enjoyable to be aware of the rules and how they apply, but I openly admit that most people don't seem to feel the same way as I do about that.

Lastly, when you attempt to correct your friends' previously wrong understanding, having access to a rule book quote can be a much more effective argument than simply saying, "Some guy on the Internet said we should do it this way."

Sincerely,

Some guy on the Internet

[boomgoesthedynamite]

My question is what defines the margin of the hazard? I've included a picture with points marking approximately where Day's ball went into the hazard (lower red dot), the pin (yellow dot), and where Day took his drop (upper red dot) Is the margin of the hazard a straight line from the pin to the hazard. Is that the reason the place that Day took his drop further up the same side of the hazard?

 

[tpariff]

Margin of the hazard is the red line around the water. These are very clearly marked on Tour.

The flag is equidistant to the point where Day's ball crossed the hazard and the opposite point where he took the 2 clubs relief under the rule.

[slprince67]

Good going for Jason Day to have the sense in the heat of the moment to ask the rules official (John Brendel) for all of his options. I think Day knew the 5 options exactly when he asked, but wanted to have the official make the ruling.......

[varno]

Awesome post!

 

So true on so many levels.

[boo radley]

My question is what defines the margin of the hazard? I've included a picture with points marking approximately where Day's ball went into the hazard (lower red dot), the pin (yellow dot), and where Day took his drop (upper red dot) Is the margin of the hazard a straight line from the pin to the hazard. Is that the reason the place that Day took his drop further up the same side of the hazard?

 

 

I think that's a great question and great illustration. I mean, what defines the *opposite* margin? If that water were more of a stream or river, and kept going off to the left, would that drop still have been legal? Or would he have had to drop on the opposite side?

[frankthegolfnut]

My question is what defines the margin of the hazard? I've included a picture with points marking approximately where Day's ball went into the hazard (lower red dot), the pin (yellow dot), and where Day took his drop (upper red dot) Is the margin of the hazard a straight line from the pin to the hazard. Is that the reason the place that Day took his drop further up the same side of the hazard?

 

 

I think that's a great question and great illustration. I mean, what defines the *opposite* margin? If that water were more of a stream or river, and kept going off to the left, would that drop still have been legal? Or would he have had to drop on the opposite side?

 

 

 

 

Bottom line, he could not closer to the hole no matter what side of the hazard he dropped.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='boo radley' date='26 May 2010 - 05:29 AM' timestamp='1274876948' post='2468080']


I think that's a great question and great illustration. I mean, what defines the *opposite* margin? If that water were more of a stream or river, and kept going off to the left, would that drop still have been legal? Or would he have had to drop on the opposite side?
[/quote]

It is easy to visualize if you were to tie a string to the flagstick and then stretch the string and hold it at the point where the ball crossed the margin of the hazard. Then, if you were to hold the string and walk around, the end of the string would describe a circle around the flagstick. All the points on this circle would be equal distance from the pin. The point where that arc crosses the opposite margin of the hazard would then be the "equidistant" point were the other drop option is available.

[boo radley]

[quote name='tjy355' date='26 May 2010 - 09:26 AM' timestamp='1274880399' post='2468163']
It is easy to visualize if you were to tie a string to the flagstick and then stretch the string and hold it at the point where the ball crossed the margin of the hazard. Then, if you were to hold the string and walk around, the end of the string would describe a circle around the flagstick. All the points on this circle would be equal distance from the pin. The point where that arc crosses the opposite margin of the hazard would then be the "equidistant" point were the other drop option is available.
[/quote]

Yup -- that's a good point, and I understand. I also know he can't drop closer to the hole of course. My only question is how 'opposite' margin is defined? In that photo above, you could almost make the argument that the actual drop is on the SAME margin line of the hazard.


But:

||||||
||||||b
||||||
|||||| ( . ) <-- flag
||||||
||||||a
||||||


Suppose, in my crude drawing above, a lateral hazard river parallels a green. Your ball goes in at point "a". Is dropping at equidistant point "b" an option? On the left side of the river is out because there is NO point that is equidistant.

I'd say, "No," because it's not on the opposite size of the hazard.

[BGA member]

Thanks for all the comments guys I appreciate all the advice, rules etc. IN regards to the Jason Day drop being discussed, dropping the ball on the opposite side of the hazard was a big advantage to him, one he had a much better stance and two it took the hazard out of play in reagrds to the where the pin was positioned. If he did drop from the original margin it looks as if to go driectly at the pin with a two club margin the hazard would be back in play. I personally dont think you should be able to improve you line to the pin in anyway. I understand the rules are the rules and he played it brillantly to takethe hazard out of play with that drop, I just dont think you should be able to improve you line witha lateral hazard drop in a PGA tourny doesnt seem right to get a better line at the hole. By the way excuse my typos, at work have to minimize the WRX site very small and no time to fix them.

[Newby]

[quote name='BGA member' date='25 May 2010 - 03:37 PM' timestamp='1274798270' post='2466038']
Ok most courses I play are marked with red stakes at the water hole.Red stakes meaning hazard as that is with other areas as well not just water.[/quote]

[b]Water Hazard[/b]
A "[i]water hazard[/i]" 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 [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Course"][i]course[/i][/url] . All ground and water within the margin of a water hazard are part of the water hazard.

[b]Note 1:[/b] Stakes or lines used to define the margin of or identify a water hazard must be [b][color="#ffff00"]yellow.[/color]
[/b]
[quote]Some are mareked red and yellow. I was told the yellow stakes mean its a lateral hazard, so if the ball fell dead cneter in the water i could drop within 2 clubs lengths laterally no closer to the hole. I didnt see yellow stakes on that water hazard on 18 only red, or is it up to the golf course itself what stakes are used for lateral or non lateral water hazards. [/quote]
[b]
Lateral Water Hazard[/b]
A "[i]lateral water hazard[/i]" is a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] or that part of a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] so situated that it is not possible, or is deemed by the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Committee"][i]Committee[/i][/url] to be impracticable, to drop a ball behind the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][i]water hazard[/i][/url] in accordance with Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14304#26-1b"]26-1b[/url].

[b]Note 1:[/b] [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#WaterHazard"][/url]Stakes or lines used to define the margin of or identify a [i]lateral water hazard[/i] must be [b][color="#ff0000"]red.[/color][/b]

[jjj912]

[quote]
My only question is how 'opposite' margin is defined? In that photo above, you could almost make the argument that the actual drop is on the SAME margin line of the hazard.


But:

||||||
||||||b
||||||
|||||| ( . ) <-- flag
||||||
||||||a
||||||


Suppose, in my crude drawing above, a lateral hazard river parallels a green. Your ball goes in at point "a". Is dropping at equidistant point "b" an option? On the left side of the river is out because there is NO point that is equidistant.
[/quote]

Decision (not to be confused with Rule) 26-1/14 suggests that in your diagram point b is not on the opposite margin "[i]because an imaginary straight line from [a] to [b] crosses land outside the hazard.[/i]"

[boo radley]

[quote name='jjj912' date='26 May 2010 - 12:31 PM' timestamp='1274891476' post='2468519']
[quote]
My only question is how 'opposite' margin is defined? In that photo above, you could almost make the argument that the actual drop is on the SAME margin line of the hazard.


But:

||||||
||||||b
||||||
|||||| ( . ) <-- flag
||||||
||||||a
||||||


Suppose, in my crude drawing above, a lateral hazard river parallels a green. Your ball goes in at point "a". Is dropping at equidistant point "b" an option? On the left side of the river is out because there is NO point that is equidistant.
[/quote]

Decision (not to be confused with Rule) 26-1/14 suggests that in your diagram point b is not on the opposite margin "[i]because an imaginary straight line from [a] to [b] crosses land outside the hazard.[/i]"
[/quote]

Thx JJJ912. I looked this up a few minutes ago, and there's an excellent diagram in that decision, too.


Still, in theory "b" would be legal if that river curved in towards the green. Interesting.

[varno]

I smell some bad blood on some rulings this Memorial Day weekend!!!!