I need a ruling for a small man-made drainage ditch that extends out from a fairway bunker. It looks like it was dug to aide in allowing rainwater to escape. Free relief, or unplayable lie?

Steve,

My opinion is relief should be given every time. There should either be a local rule giving relief from these drains, or they should be marked in white paint. They would meet the definition of "French Drain" if there are rocks visible, but it sounds as though that may not be the case...

If not marked or no local rule is in place, it would be a good time to play a second ball and ask for a ruling. Hopefully the course administrators would take a hint on marking these areas.

Kevin

It is like a french drain, but there are no rocks--at least none visible. The entire area of the drain has grown in with weeds, and the mowers don't reach it of course. I will ask the clubhouse, but this is a pretty poorly run establishment anyway so I doubt they'll do anything to mark it.

I would consider it to be ground under repair.

I think ground under repair is usually intended to be a temporary condition. In this case, however, it appears that the course management dug the ditch and left it without any real intention to do anything else. It makes you wonder if it is possible for such a ditch to cease being ground under repair and become a water hazard.