How would you score a ball that was hit into a water hazard, but was close enough to be found. You then take a drop. Is there a penalty stroke? Also, does this apply to any ball that has to be moved because of obstruction or out of bounds?

Ok, thanks, Bill.

I was there trying to look this up, but i guess I had a brain fart and couldn't figure out how to scroll down.

Never, mind nothing to see here.

I hate the water hazards.

Steve, Welcome to the site. And I'm with you...I HATE WATER HAZARDS!

Funny thing is I don't mind the water hazards as there is not much you can do when you lose your ball. What i really hate are the sand traps, because it is a little tougher to find someplace to practice these shots.

Klun, Not if you live in Aurora. I've got a real nice practice area only a few miles up the road with a nice bunker to practice hitting out of. I can hit to the landing area of the driving range, so I can practice shots from a fairway bunker, or short shots to the green, what ever I want. Usually not too many golfers use the bunkers, so it's wide open most of the time. If you ask around, you should be able to find a range with a decent practice bunker to use.

Don,

Unfortunately, around where I live, most driving ranges don't have much more than the carpet mats for driving balls. Some have grassy areas, but don't always let you out there to hit balls. Oh, well, I'll just make do with what I've got, and try to avoid the bunkers when I'm playing.

How about the golf courses ? Don't they have a practice bunker you can use? My local 9 hole par 3 course has the best practice areas to use.

Some of the more expensive courses that I normally do not play might have a bunker near the practice green. Oh, well, like I said, I try to stay away from the bunkers as much as possible and if I do get stuck on the beach, I just pray for the best.

Klun, in the twilight hours, go to the course you play. Play by yourself and when there are no players behind you, drop balls in the bunkers and practice.

Klun, just go practice there, as long as its public, wouldn't want you hopping the fence or anything. I do that sometimes, practice at courses where they have bunkers and such but don't choose to play there due to the cost.

I'm sure glad I have a nice practice course near me with a real large practice green, serparate chipping green, and a bunker to work with. No wonder golf is so hard, most guys don't have a decent place to practice all the skill needed to get good.