In other words, "casual water" is water on the golf course that isn't meant to be there by design. Casual water can be anywhere on a golf course outside the water hazard, which is now called the "penalty area." If there's water somewhere in the "general area," then it's casual water or temporary water.
What is'casual water'in golf?
The USGA defines "casual water" or "temporary water" as "any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his or her stance.” In other words, "casual water" is water on the golf course that isn't meant to be there by design.
Where does the term casual water come from?
As it turns out, the term "casual water" is rooted in the Rules of Golf, which defines what "casual water" is -- now called "temporary water" -- and what it means to a golfer. What is casual water in golf?
Is casual water a water hazard?
But casual water is not a water hazard; under the rules, golfers are entitled to free relief if casual water interferes with one's stance or one's golf ball rests in the water. [>>>] casual water - water on the golf course that is not part of the design (i.e. it is not marked/staked either out of bounds or as a hazard ).
What are the rules of golf for casual water?
The Rules of Golf state that you may take free relief from casual water no nearer to the hole. [] casual water-- Water that has accumulated on the course temporarily that is not part of an official water hazard. Players may typically lift and drop their balls out of casual water without incurring a penalty stroke.
Can you lose a golf ball in casual water?
Water that is overflowing from a water hazard and outside the hazard marking is casual water. 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 play under stroke and distance.
What is casual water relief?
Taking relief from casual water is pretty easy. You can pick up your ball from the casual water, clean it, and then you can drop it at the nearest point without casual water that's no nearer the hole. There is no penalty. If a player finds their ball and stance in casual water in a bunker, there are two options.
Is Mud considered casual water?
It is not enough for the ground to be merely wet, muddy or soft or for the water to be momentarily visible as you step on the ground; an accumulation of water must remain present either before or after your stance is taken.
How many club lengths do you get for casual water relief?
one club lengthYou can take one of three types of relief from casual water: anywhere on the course besides a hazard, the tee, or the green, you can move the ball one club length from the nearest unaffected area, but no closer to the hole (and not into a hazard or onto the green).
What is the rule on casual water?
Casual water is that temporary accumulation of water (not in a water hazard) visible either before or after you take your stance. If you are not sure if there is casual water, simply take your normal stance and address the ball. If water begins to surface around your shoes, then that area contains casual water.
Is Snow considered casual water in golf?
By definition, “casual water” is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player.
What is the rule for a plugged golf ball?
The Rule states, “A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground in any closely mown area through the green may be lifted, cleaned and dropped, without penalty, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole.”
Do you get relief from a cart path?
Luckily, the Rules of Golf provide relief from artificial obstructions, which include cart paths. You are entitled to relief from the cart path if it impacts your stance, swing, or the lie of your ball.
What is the rule for unplayable lie in golf?
If you find your ball in play, but in a circumstance where you are not able to make a swing or advance the ball, then you are always entitled to claim an unplayable lie. Under this rule, you incur a one-stroke penalty, but are permitted to take relief from your troubling situation.
Do you get relief from a bush in golf?
When a player's ball lies above the ground (such as in a bush or a tree), the player may take lateral relief by using the point on the ground directly below the spot of the ball as his or her reference point: The relief area.
How many club lengths do you need for an unplayable lie?
two club lengthsUnplayable ball If you declare your ball unplayable, you then have three options. First, you can go back to where you last played from under penalty of stroke and distance. The second option is to drop within two club lengths of where your ball is lying but no nearer the hole, again under penalty of one stroke.
Do you have to take full relief from a path?
Remember, it is not simply which side of the path the ball is closest to. Also, you must take full relief from the path i.e. you cannot stand on the path after dropping your ball. You can play your shot from the path if taking relief would place you in a worse position.
What is temporary water in golf?
Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. "Temporary water" is a temporary accumulation of water on the golf course. In other words, a lake is not casual water, but a puddle of rainwater ...
What happens if you hit a golf ball in temporary water?
What to Do When You Hit Into Temporary Water. Under the rules of golf, temporary water is classified an abnormal course condition. If a golfer determines his golf ball rests in temporary water, or such a condition interferes with his stance or swing, he is entitled to relief.
What is a temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground?
Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that is not in a penalty area, and can be seen before or after you take a stance (without pressing down excessively with your feet).
Is temporary water a hazard?
But it is not a water hazard; under the rules, golfers are entitled to free relief if temporary water interferes with one's stance or one's golf ball rests in the water. The term "temporary water" was introduced in the 2019 edition of the rule book. Prior to 2019, the term used by the governing bodies was "casual water.".
Is a lake a casual water?
In other words, a lake is not casual water, but a puddle of rainwater (that will disappear once the sun comes out) is. Temporary water is not uncommon on golf courses, particularly those that don't drain well, following a steady or heavy rainfall. But it is not a water hazard; under the rules, golfers are entitled to free relief if temporary water ...
Is snow temporary water?
Special cases: *Dew and frost are not temporary water. *Snow and natural ice (other than frost) are either loose impediments or, when on the ground, temporary water, at your option. *Manufactured ice is an obstruction.
Is it possible for the ground to be wet?
It is not enough for the ground to be merely wet, muddy or soft or for the water to be momentarily visible as you step on the ground; an accumulation of water must remain present either before or after your stance is taken. *Dew and frost are not temporary water.
What is casual water on the greens?
What is casual water? It’s any temporary accumulation of water on the course not in a water hazard, such as puddles (from those April showers) on the surface.
Can you brush away the dew in golf?
For you early morning golfers, keep in mind that you cannot brush away the dew or the frost. If you do…..it’s a two stoke penalty. Enjoy the onset of the warmer weather and resist the urge to “brush away” the water and dew! or to “mop up” any of those puddles!
What is casual water?
Casual water is that temporary accumulation of water (not in a water hazard) visible either before or after you take your stance. If you are not sure if there is casual water, simply take your normal stance and address the ball. If water begins to surface around your shoes, then that area contains casual water.
What are the water hazards in golf?
Every week, many a golfer hears that fateful splash. These areas of trouble are the lakes, ditches, and other areas marked off by yellow stakes and lines (note that a water hazard does not have to contain water, only be defined by the stakes and lines on its border).
What are the three types of water in golf?
There are three types of water that a golfer will encounter on the course: Water hazards, lateral water hazards, and casual water. The following discourse will help you understand what to do when confronted by any of these situations. Keep in mind that in all of these cases, when you drop a ball, it cannot come to rest nearer to ...
Can you take a ball out of a hazard?
You have the option of removing the ball from the hazard, but it will cost you a penalty stroke. Unfortunately those are the rules. If you do choose this option, you must also keep a straight line between the hole, where your ball lay, and you. Finally, ice and snow can be considered casual water, but not dew or frost.
Can you drop a ball behind a hazard?
After taking a penalty stroke, you may drop a new ball behind the hazard. You can go as far back as you want, but you MUST maintain a straight line between three points: the hole, where your ball last crossed the margin of the hazard, and you. You may be daring and play the ball from where it lies within the hazard.
Can you take relief from casual water?
You can take one of three types of relief from casual water: anywhere on the course besides a hazard, the tee, or the green, you can move the ball one club length from the nearest unaffected area, but no closer to the hole (and not into a hazard or onto the green).
