Q.
Is soft, mushy earth casual water and I am entitled
to free relief under Rule 25
–
1?
A.
No. Contrary to popular belief soft, mushy earth is
not deemed to be casual water and unless water
becomes visible when a player takes their normal
stance (i.e. not p
ressing down with much effort
) no
free relief is available.
Q.
What are your options when you find your ball in a
bunker that is completely filled by casual water?
A.
If your ball lies in such a bunker your options are as
follows;
You may play the ball
as it lies or:
(i)
drop the ball in the bunker without penalty at the
nearest point, not nearer the hole, where the depth of
the casual water is at its lowest
(
ii)
drop the ball behind the bunker under a penalty of
one stroke
(iii)
deem the ball unplayable
and proceed under Rule
28
of the golf course.
