Today in the playoff of the AT@T Classic why couldn't Perry just drop his third on the green? His ball was clearly over the hazard line on his second shot that hit the green.

It was a water hazard (yellow stakes), which means he did not have the option of droping two clublengths no closer to the hole. He had to stay on a line from where the ball crossed the hazard to the hole, which, in this case, was on the other side of the lake, or opposite side relief.

My dad brought up the same question. But the above post is correct. If he dropped near the green he would be CLOSER to the hole which is not allowed.

Bad break though.

you are both correct as the rule reads

But think about this for a second his ball entered the hazard where?

The rule states where the ball last crossed the hazard no nearer the hole

Why could he not drop on that side?


Ok step right up rules experts I went to my last rules clinic about 30 years ago

Here is what the rule reads had to be option A or B
If a ball is in a water hazard or if it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in a water hazard (whether the ball lies in water or not), the player may under penalty of one stroke:

a.Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5), or
b. Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped; or
c. As additional options available only if the ball last crossed the margin of a lateral water hazard, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than (i) the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or (ii) a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole. ( Which was not an option since it was Not a Lateral Hazard)

correct it was yellow stakes not red, if were red he could have 2 to the left and not been closer than were ball had entered.

The only way that could happen is if he took his drop IN the hazard, and you cannot do that.

Let me ask you this guys. I was at the course today and watched how Kenny hit his 3 wood. That last shot had a MAJOR draw on it. From his position, I don't believe he actually crossed the water in the air. It looked like he went around the water and hit the tree that was well right of the water. Does he still have to go back to the drop area even though he didn't actually cross over the water hazard? Could he have dropped in a different spot?

It doesn't matter if his ball crossed the water in the air because what matters is the LAST point that the ball crossed the hazard. He could have replayed the shot, played the ball as it lied(in the water), or took opposite side relief, which he did.

All valid questions, however with the Best Rules official out there in Slugger White, The options were correct.

Im very surprised someone didnt call from home and question the ruling.

was wondering the exact same thing, it looked as if the ball never crossed the hazard, he pushed it out to the right and it appeared to draw around the water completley and then enter the water by the green, i was thinking he would be chipping 4 right infront of the green, thanks for the clarification, bad break for kenny

Pretty simple really, but as with most golf rules almost uniformly misunderstood.

There are red stakes (lateral) and yellow stake water hazards with two shared procedures for playing after entering a hazard and two additional options for a red stake (lateral hazard).

I find that the animations found on this link explain it quite well. They are fifth and sixth from the bottom of the list.

http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/animations/index.html

Is it not behind the hazard greenside just going in the opposite direction and that is where he crossed the hazard

Its confusing the way I see it a drop on the other side is illegal

I know I am wrong but a lot of USGA rules make no sense


Ken

Those animations are great. I just scrolled through all of them and its very worthwhile.

If you missed Kenny Perry's shot hitting the tree and susequently going into the water. I've posted here.