Drop area

Question
Im watching the PGA, and several water holes have drop areas. No answer.

I have emailed the PGA and asked why there should be a drop area at all, since the rules of golf cover water holes.

Yesterday, Tiger hit out of a trap and into the water on the other side of the green. I believe with no drop area, he would have to play from the other side of the water back to the green

The TV commentators, as usual, offer no useful info.

These are pros, not a weekend skins game. I see no reason to have a drop area at all. Why would the PGA allow them?

How do you get the PGA to offer an explanation?

Answer
Ray,

I can tell you're not a fan of drop areas. I agree with you as well, but in some situations it is required.

The reason drop areas are on a course is that if the options granted from the rules of golf may not present themselves in certain situations. For example, if the five options a player has when he hits his ball in a lateral hazard aren't available because of grandstands etc., a drop area would be required.

The other reason you would find them (not in The PGA Championship) may be to speed up play in a club tournament.

Hope this helps.

Michael