Water hazard.... or is it?

[orangeTANG]

This discussion came up morning while playing an early 9 (fortunately not by example).

What are the rules of golf with respect to a ditch, or creek or other unmarked area that holds water on a golf course? There are a few cases at Greensmere that I can think of that appear to have dried up creeks, or drainage ditches that are unmarked. #4 down the right hand side of Premiere, #9 crossing before the fairway on Premiere and #14 crossing before the fairway on Legacy for example.

Is this considered a hazard, or casual water (if there is water in them) that allows for a free drop?

[BC MIST]

This discussion came up morning while playing an early 9 (fortunately not by example).

What are the rules of golf with respect to a ditch, or creek or other unmarked area that holds water on a golf course? There are a few cases at Greensmere that I can think of that appear to have dried up creeks, or drainage ditches that are unmarked. #4 down the right hand side of Premiere, #9 crossing before the fairway on Premiere and #14 crossing before the fairway on Legacy for example.

Is this considered a hazard, or casual water (if there is water in them) that allows for a free drop?

Since I have marked most of the hazards at Greensmere, it would be appropriate for me to comment.

Technically, each of the areas mentioned, are, by definition, water hazards, and should be marked accordingly. But consider the following:
#4. If you hit your ball to the right and cannot find it, even if the edge of the down slope was marked with red stakes, your ball is lost or out of bounds for which the penalty is stoke and distance. There can be no assumption that the ball in the "hazard" as it must be known or virtually certain that it is. Because the area is blind from the tee, KVC cannot be determined. While it has obviously been wet recently, the area is usually dry from which a stroke can easily be made. If the ball comes to rest in some water, it is to be considered casual water.

#9. Similarly, the depression on this hole is usually dry and seldom comes into play unless an exceptionally poor tee shot has been played. Again consider it casual water.

#14 Legacy. When the hole opened and as late as mid season last year, the area was marked with yellow water hazard stakes. The location of this area was never intended to be a water hazard but the overflow from the small pond on #18, seeps through there as it sitting lower than the surrounding area. It's location is a "design flaw" as most tee shots from average players would land here and if they had to layup to avoid this area, the second shot would be 200+ yards. In discussing it with club management, it was indicated that some piping or stones, (French drain) would be installed to drain the overflow away and keep the area dry. Obviously that has not been done yet so until this happens we are treating the area as casual water, much to the delight of many of the members.

If a major tournament were to take place on our courses, these areas would be staked, even though there would be little likelihood of anyone landing there, with #4 possibly being an exception.

FWIW: I will soon be placing red stakes by the ditch at the back of #15 Premiere because it is a hazard, and by doing so will prevent most lost ball situations, for those who fly the green.

[orangeTANG]

Thanks for clarifying this BC MIST - and the history on top of it.