ball lands on land area then goes into water

[scv76]

So today while watching the PGA tourney, on the 17th hole, a fellow hit the grass area just off the green and then the ball rolled into the water at the edge of the green. I was really surprised that his next hit was from a drop area and not up near the green where the ball had rolled into the hazard. It looked as if the ball crossed the water before it landed, then rolled off the land into the water.

Do the rules not allow for a drop up near where the ball entered the water, or was it the players decision to hit from the drop area.

[iacas]

It was a yellow hazard (regular water hazard) not a red (lateral) water hazard.

Red (lateral) hazards are the only ones that allow a drop within two clublengths.

[Jon Robert]

NO CLOSER TO THE HOLE

[scv76]

Originally Posted by iacas

It was a yellow hazard (regular water hazard) not a red (lateral) water hazard.

Red (lateral) hazards are the only ones that allow a drop within two clublengths.

Okay, gotcha...did not see the yellow