SLOSHING IN THE WET WEATHER

Following a summer of near-record rainfall and soggy conditions, this Rules Corner will take a look at one section of Rule 25 - Abnormal Ground Conditions, specifically casual water.

First of all, abnormal ground conditions are defined as any casual water, ground under repair or hole, cast or runway on the course made by a burrowing animal, reptile or bird. A burrowing animal is an animal that makes a hole for habitation or shelter, such as a rabbit, mole, ground hog, gopher or salamander. Casual water is any temporary accumulation of water on the course which is visible before or after the player takes his stance and is not in a water hazard.

Rule 25 grants the player relief from an abnormal ground condition by the following procedures:
- Through the green – The player determines the nearest point of relief and drops within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than that spot.
- In a bunker – The player may drop without penalty in the bunker within one club-length of the nearest point of relief in the bunker or in an area within the bunker that is not nearer the hole and grants the maximum available relief. As another option with a penalty of one stroke, the player may drop outside the bunker, keeping the spot where the ball lay and the hole in a straight line.
- On the putting green – The player shall lift and place the ball at the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole or at the point not nearer the hole that grants the maximum available relief. The maximum available relief may be off the putting green.

Some advice NOGA can give to golfers in situations involving relief without penalty is to be aware of where you must take the ball before you pick it up. In many cases, players will pick up their ball without knowing that the nearest point of relief is in a shrub, on hardpan, or in some other unfavorable position. Knowing the rules will help you avoid these situations and help you get out of bad places.

For other questions on the Rules of Golf, check out the other articles in NOGA's USGA Rules Corner! Play well, and get to know the Rules of Golf!