Can you lose a ball in a hazard?

An interesting one. I've discussed it with some peers and I can't for the life of me find the answer in the Rules book.

I stand to be corrected but I'm of the view that one can not lose a ball in a hazard (not water hazard). So, what is the ruling under RAA?

There are only two types of hazards in golf: water and bunker. If you exclude water, then your question is: "can I lose a ball in a bunker?"

At least technically, the ball can bury itself so deep into the bunker sand that you can't find it. Isn't it lost then?

Rule 26-1:

It is a question of fact whether a ball is lost after having been struck toward a water hazard is lost inside or outside the hazard. In order to treat the ball as lost in the hazard, there must be reasonable evidence that the ball lodged in it. In the absence of such evidnece, the ball must be treated as a lost ball and Rule 27 applies.

Therefore, as long as there's evidence that the ball went into the hazard (ie you saw it), you proceed under rule 26.

If there is NOT reasonable evidence that you lost the ball in the hazard, you treat it as a lost ball.

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If your ball is not lost in a Water Hazard (see Rule 26-1 quoted above) then it is subject to the normal conditions listed in the definition of 'lost ball' that cause a ball to become 'lost'.
If you can't find your ball you can't say with certainty that it is in the bunker (the only other form of hazard) or on the moon. Water hazards are an exception because you only need 'reasonable evidence' (and most but not all Rules Officials will require 95% certainty for that).

Gents,

Your right with regards to lost ball in water hazard, but, technically you can't lose a ball in a bunker. This is the same as a ball that has gone in G.U.R. and you can't find it. Another ball can be played without penalty in this instance. So what happens when your ball goes into the bunker and you can't find it? What can you do and are there any penalties. I still can't find it in the rules.

There is nothing special about a bunker in this case, which is why there is nothing specific in the rules. It is in the general Rule 27 - Ball Lost or Out of Bounds. You treat it as if were lost anywhere else except a water hazard (or GUR). That is, it becomes lost when any of the conditions in the definition are satisfied. You may play a provisional (providing you follow the normal procedure) or simply play another. 1 stroke penalty.

I don't understand what you mean by the above

If there is reasonable evidence that a ball is lost in GUR you can't play another ball, you can however take relief from the GUR within 1 club length of the nearest point of relief (not nearer the hole) to where the ball last crossed the margin of the GUR. See Rule 25-1c

And what is it you are saying is the same ?

Hi AAA,

Thanks for your time in clarifying this for me.

25.1.c applies to abnormal ground conditions.

27.1 defines lost ball or OOB. Exceptions to this rule are ball lost in water hazard, obstruction or abnormal playing conditions.

Technically, a ball can't be lost in a bunker. I need to treat this scenerio as if I lost the ball somewhere on the course. I'd then play under the lost ball rule.

Cheers.

You're welcome



Exactly