You never know what type of weather will come your way in Colorado, and what factors you will face, especially when out on the golf course! As we enter the winter season and the possible confrontation of snow, it is important to keep in mind Rule 25-1 (Abnormal Ground Conditions, Embedded Ball and Wrong Putting Green) which addresses casual water.
The definition of casual water is “any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player.”
So what happens when your ball comes to rest in a bunker filled by snow, whether partially or completely? One option is always to play it as it lies, which might be possible if the ball is sitting up nicely.
But if you want relief, remember from the definition noted above, at your option, you may treat the snow as either casual water or a loose impediment. Looking at the loose impediment scenario, consider the Note to Rule 23-1 (Loose Impediments). This Note states, “If the ball lies in a hazard, the player must not touch or move any loose impediment lying in or touching the same hazard.” In summary, if snow is considered a loose impediment, you are unable to move the snow from the bunker.
Therefore, your only option is to deem the snow as casual water to get relief from the condition you face. According to Rule 25-1b(ii), there are three options from which you may choose when in this snowy bunker situation. One option is to drop the ball in the bunker, without penalty, within one club-length of the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole. Complete relief, including lie of ball, stance, and area of intended swing, must be taken. If complete relief is unavailable, then a second option is, again without penalty, to drop the ball in the bunker at the point of maximum relief where the depth of the casual water is least. A third option is to drop the ball outside the bunker under penalty of one stroke, keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped. There is no limit as to how far behind the bunker the ball may be dropped.
The next time you find yourself in a bunker filled with casual water, specifically snow, just remember these three relief options we have just reviewed and hopefully it will give you an easier and more enjoyable round…as long as you can stay relatively warm! For questions on the Rules of Golf, contact the Colorado Women’s Golf Association at 303-366-7888 or cwga@COgolf.org.
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