1. WATER HAZARDS:
Marked by yellow stakes or lines.
The ball may be dropped as far back as desired, in line with the flag and the point at which the original ball crossed the hazard line.
Result – one stroke penalty.
Marked by red stakes or lines.
Choose either the above or take two club lengths relief from the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard.
Result – one stroke penalty.
New USGA Rule now allows a player, while in a hazard, to remove loose impediments and ground his club.
2. UNPLAYABLE LIE: If a player wants to take relief from a trees, roots, rocks, bushes, or wooded areas, in other words in a circumstance where he is not able to make a swing or advance the ball, then you are always entitled to claim an unplayable lie. Under this rule, you incur a one-stroke penalty, but are permitted to take relief from your troubling situation.
There are three specific options when taking an unplayable lie. The first option is to go back to the point from where you played your last shot. The second option is to drop your ball within two club lengths of where the ball came to rest, without moving closer to the hole. The third and final option is to take the flagstick and the point where your ball came to rest, and move back away from the hole in a straight line as far as you want. These are your only three options when your ball is in a position where you cannot make a swing, or otherwise choose to take relief.
Result - one stroke penalty. Taking an unplayable lie in a bunker results in a two stroke penalty.
3. NEW LOCAL RULE: When a ball might be lost or out of bounds, don’t hit a provisional ball. If the ball is lost or OB, the player will drop the ball in the fairway, one club length from the rough opposite the point of entry. Result - two-stroke penalty.
The outcome is the same as stroke and distance.