Temporary Water - Rule 16.1

After periods of heavy rain there may be areas on the course where water pools or accumulates.

This is known as Temporary Water and is classed as an Abnormal Course Condition from which you may take free relief under Rule 16.1 anywhere on the course except Penalty Areas.

The Temporary Water must be visible before or after the player takes a stance (without pressing down excessively with their feet).

It is not enough for the ground to be merely wet, muddy or soft or for the water to be momentarily visible as the player steps on the ground; an accumulation of water must remain present either before or after the stance is taken.

If a player's ball is in the General Area and there is interference by an abnormal course condition on the course, the player may take free relief by dropping the original ball or another ball in a relief area. The player may clean their ball before dropping it.

The area for free relief is taken from the Reference Point (The nearest point of complete relief) and is measured as one club length (you can use your driver) from the Reference Point but must not be nearer the hole and is still in the general area.

When taking relief, the player must take complete relief from all interference by the abnormal course condition. Their ball or stance must not be in the abnormal course condition.

Return to previous page