Rules Question: Flooded bunker

[Wine&Poker]

In the NW, it's not all that uncommon to see standing water in the bunkers for 9 months out of the year. So, the situation is: A tee shot is hit into the back half of sandtrap. The entire back half is flooded. There is no way to drop in the bunker without dropping closer to the hole. Are you forced to play the ball from the water or head back to the tee?

[martytilma]

I think this would cover it, but not sure??

25-1b/8 Player's Options When Bunker Completely Covered by Casual Water

Q. If a player's ball lies in a bunker completely covered by casual water, what are his options?

A. The player may play the ball as it lies or:

(1) drop the ball in the bunker without penalty at the nearest point, not nearer the hole, where the depth of the casual water is least — Rule 25-1b(ii)(a); or

(2) drop the ball behind the bunker under penalty of one stroke — Rule 25-1b(ii)(b); or

(3) deem the ball unplayable and proceed in accordance with Rule 28.

[Tex]

So, in layman's terms, find a playable part of the bunker or else it's a stroke?

[Paradox]

yes...other than dropping where casual water is the least. 9 times out of 10 though, amateurs will be better off taking the drop outside the bunker with the penalty stroke so they can make the basic pitch shot instead of a sand shot.

[jamo]

So, in layman's terms, find a playable part of the bunker or else it's a stroke?

As long as you are no closer to the hole. Sometimes there are no places farther from the hole to drop, in which case you take a 1 stroke penalty and drop behind the bunker.

[jetsknicks1]

How come it would'nt be considered casual water where the player can get a free drop?

[jamo]

How come it would'nt be considered casual water where the player can get a free drop?

Because a bunker is a hazard. Or at least that is my guess.

[CG031]

Because a bunker is a hazard. Or at least that is my guess.

Yeah that is the case. It's a hazard. Many people forget that.

[Paradox]

Indeed, giving relief from a hazard would defeat the purpose of the hazard.

[Weezy]

Some courses close bunkers that have standing water and you get a free drop as a local rule.

[zeg]

Yep, they can declare it ground under repair. Otherwise you DO get the maximum relief possible from the casual water, consistent with the (as far as I know absolute) rule that the only way ever to move closer to the hole is via a stroke. Since it might truly be unfair to force you to play from a deep puddle of casual water, they do offer the penalty stroke to get out, essentially treating it like a water hazard.