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The areas we are considering are truly lateral water hazards based on the USGA definition. Not all areas will be designated as such because they are in blind areas from the hitting location (tee area). So the new rule "virtually certain" can't apply. From the USGA rules: 26-1 . Relief for Ball in Water Hazard It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward a water hazard is in the hazard . In the absence of knowledge or virtual certainty that a ball struck toward a water hazard , but not found, is in the hazard , the player must proceed under Rule 27-1 . To answer another post: water does not have to visible or even present to be considered part of a lateral water hazard. From the USGA rules definitions: Water Hazard A “ water hazard ’’ is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course . All ground and water within the margin of a water hazard are part of the water hazard . When the margin of a water hazard is defined by stakes, the stakes are inside the water hazard , and the margin of the hazard is defined by the nearest outside points of the stakes at ground level. When both stakes and lines are used to indicate a water hazard , the stakes identify the hazard and the lines define the hazard margin. When the margin of a water hazard is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is in the water hazard . The margin of a water hazard extends vertically upwards and downwards. A ball is in a water hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the water hazard . Stakes used to define the margin of or identify a water hazard are obstructions .

You are so right!

We are in the planning and review stages of changing some OB markings to LWH (red stakes) markings. We are also adding some new tees. All of these changes are being done in anticipation of a re-rating by the USGA sometime next year.

Good question. Though probably not because there still is a penalty involved and the playing of the course is not significantly changed. A member of my committee is involved with the state golf association and he will most likely know the answer. Thanks.

I believe you misinterpreted my comments. I stated it takes the Army Corp of Engineers or some other governing body to designated a wetlands area as 'environmentally sensitive'. I have no intention of contacting any outside agency about our golf course.

I plan to make the areas lateral water hazards (red stakes/red lines). I can't declare the areas environmentally sensitive because they have not been designated as such by the Army Corp of Engineers or whichever governing body is responsible for the designation. Being designated wetlands does not automatically mean environmentally sensitive in the strictest sense of the definition.

All the areas are designated wetlands by the Army Corp of Engineers and governed by our local Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission.

Thank you very much. The publication is very helpful. It seems it is up to us to determine if the area is O.B. or a lateral water hazard. On our course the areas meet both definitions.

On my home course there are several holes that are marked with out of bounds stakes and/or white lines. Yet the O.B. on each of these holes is still part of the club's property. Most of the areas marked as O.B. are wetlands. As I understand the suggestions from the USGA on course setup, they do not like O.B unless absolutely necessary. I would like to change these holes to be lateral water hazards in place of the O.B. markers. I know the 'committee' can establish it's own local rules concerning hazards, free drops, etc. Is there any reason why these O.B. holes should not be changed to lateral water hazards (red stakes and lines)? I plan to propose this change to the club's board of directors.

I'm looking for a tip: Can anyone recommend a good book for coaching high school golf? Thanks.

I have been retired for 19 years. However, I am about to start coaching a high school golf team in the spring. Should be fun.

Missing Links by Rick Reilly. Question for all: Can anyone recommend a good book for coaching high school golf. Thanks.