water hazzards

Question
When playing over a water hazard, the ball clears the hazard. but hits a tree on the other side and bounces back into the hazard.  There are stakes marking the boundary of the hazard on the green side.  During dry times of the year there is land (not water) between the boundary stakes and the pond or lake.  Since the ball last crossed the hazard line on the green side of the lake, is it permissible to drop a ball in the hazard as long as you keep the point where it last crossed the hazard between the ball and the pin. or do you have go back across the lake to drop the ball?

Answer
Dear Dave, thanks for the question.  The short answer is Yes...you are allowed to drop within the hazard within the rules you pointed out.  I'm assuming because it is dry that you might consider this, and otherwise would not.  Often times courses will have a drop area, in the event that a ball that entered on the green side would not allow for a proper drop.  However some don't...in this case you have the choice since that area is dry at times.  Site Rule 26-1/2 for reference.  Good luck, thanks again and remember...


Love the game,
skipper