CASUAL WATER:
Over the past few weeks it has been noticed that players don't appear to fully understand the rules surrounding Casual Water and when someone is and isn't entitled to relief or what the procedure for a drop from Casual Water is.
So first of all, What is Casual Water?
Casual Water is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard (water that is overflowing from a water hazard and outside the hazard marking is considered Casual water) and is visible before or after the player takes their stance.
Note: The definition of casual water does NOT include water being visible while the player is taking their stance and rocking their feet and distributing their weight, it is after they take their stance.
What is the procedure if your ball is lost in Casual Water?
If your ball is lost in an area of Casual Water you are entitled to free relief if it is known or virtually certain that the ball is in the casual water. (Someone either saw it go in the Casual Water or there is basically no chance the ball could be anywhere else).
If it is not known or virtually certain that your ball is lost in the area of Casual Water, then you must assume your ball is lost and then you must follow the stroke and distance rule.
PREFERRED LIES:
A reminder that preferred lies through the green does not include penalty areas and bunkers.
For any further clarification on the updated rules since 2019 please refer to the following link: