Standing Water

[sandbagger]

Me and a buddy had an argument about the standing water rule. He said the water has to be pooled around your ball. I said if you step your foot next to the ball and it pools, then it is still standing water. Who is right?

[DenisO]

I believe you are.

25-1. Abnormal Ground Conditions
a. Interference
Interference by an abnormal ground condition occurs when a ball lies in or touches the condition or when the condition interferes with the player's stance or the area of his intended swing.

[jvincent]

You are more right.

It doesn't need to be next to the ball. It could also be your stance. Think for example of a situation where your ball is completely dry and your feet are in a puddle. You would get relief from that.

The correct term is "casual water" by the way.

[XTOUR]

So what is the proper way to go about placing the ball out of casual water?

[jvincent]

Like other relief scenarios you need to find the NEAREST (not the nicest) point of full relief.

For casual water this can be a problem if there is a lot of water on the course because once you decide to take relief you have to take full relief so going to a nice lie nearby that is still in casual water is not an option. If the only dry spot is 30 yards behind you in the fairway, that's where you need to go.

[AAA]

Me and a buddy had an argument about the standing water rule. He said the water has to be pooled around your ball. I said if you step your foot next to the ball and it pools, then it is still standing water. Who is right?

Casual Water
"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. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew and frost are not casual water.A ball is in casual water when it lies in or any part of it touches the casual water.