It happens. You’re going to put a ball in the water every now and then.
Many golfers, however, don’t have a full understanding about what to do next.
First, understand the rules of the game AND the local rules of the course that you are playing.
Determine if the hazard line is painted yellow or red. (Most courses only use a red line.) If it’s yellow, you have three options:
1. Play the ball from inside the hazard with no penalty (you can ground your club).
2. Take a one-shot penalty and re-hit from your previous position.
3. Take a one-shot penalty and take the spot you last crossed the water hazard and line that spot with the flagstick, and you may go back on a straight line away from the hole as far as you need to.
If the hazard line is red, you have two additional options:
1. Take a one-shot penalty and find the spot where your ball last crossed the hazard line. Drop within two club lengths, no closer to the hole. (If you take the drop, most players will use a driver to mark their club length, since it’s the longest club in the bag.)
2. Take a one-shot penalty and find the spot your ball last crossed the hazard line, then find a point equidistant on the other side of the hazard, again using two club lengths, no closer to the hole. This option is rarely used but may be beneficial to give a player a better angle for their next shot.
So, those are your options. When you hit one into the water, it’s good to know the rules so your score doesn’t take a bigger hit than it has to.
And it’s good to have a full understanding of what options you have in this situation.
Mike Stern is the head golf professional at the Miami Lakes Golf Club. Reach out to him for lessons at mikes@miamilakesgolf.com.
Photos: Linda Trischitta