Rules FAQ

Below you can view videos related to this Rule.

Dealing with abnormal ground conditions

Learn your options in a water hazard

At the 2002 WGC-EMC World Cup, Thomas Levet’s approach shot lands on the green but then rolls into the lateral water hazard. Under Rule 26-1, Levet incurs a one-stroke penalty and is permitted to drop a ball outside the hazard within two club-lengths of where the ball originally crossed the margin.

During the 2nd round of the 2003 U.S. Senior Open, Bruce Lietzke’s approach shot on the 5th hole found this lateral water hazard to the right. USGA Rules Officials on the scene conferred to determine the exact point where the ball last crossed the water hazard.

Ernie Els’ tee shot during the final round of the 1994 US Open found this dry lateral water hazard off the fairway. Even though it was dry at the time, the red marking clearly indicated that this area was a lateral water hazard.

Gil Morgan’s approach shot at the 1992 U.S. Open, fell victim to the day’s gusty winds… straying right of the fairway and over the cliff into the bay. Morgan consulted with a Rules Official and his fellow-competitor, Ian Woosnam, to determine where the ball last crossed the “margin of the hazard” during its flight.

During the first round of the 2003 U.S. Women’s Open, Laura Davies’ tee shot landed in an environmentally-sensitive area between the tee and the fairway.

During the 2002 Verizon Byron Nelson Classic, Shigeki Maruyama’s approach shot found this water hazard to the side of the green. He was penalized one stroke under Rule 26-1 and then sought the assistance of a Rules Official to determine the correct procedure for taking a drop:

On the par 3 17th hole at the 1999 Players Championship, Fred Couples' tee shot found water. He incurred a one-stroke penalty under Rule 26-1.