Water hazard

Question
We recently had a lot of rain which filled a lake on my course past the stakes and lines which define the hazard margin.  My ball came to rest in the water, but outside of the hazard margin. Is my ball in the hazard or is it in casual water?

Answer
Hi Matthew,

A ball is deemed to be in a hazard if any part of the ball touches the hazard. The boundary of the hazard can be defined by a line or stakes or the water itself.

In this instance, the ball touches the water. The hazard has become a little bigger.

You would not get relief.

You can play the ball as it lies, however, as long as you don't ground the club.

Hope this helps.

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Best regards,
Ken Tannar