Please note that beginning Saturday the entire water hazard on the right hand side of the 3rd hole will be deemed a lateral hazard. This includes the strip of usually dry area between the first hazard and the lower drainage hazard. As such, players will no longer be able to use that area as a drop zone when taking relief under the water hazard rule. In order to assist with speed of play when a player is unsure of whether a ball has cleared the hazard or not, players may play a provisional ball (similar to the Local Rule for the 18th hole).
Provisional Ball for Ball Across 3rd &18th Hazards: If there is any doubt whether a ball is in or is lost in the water hazard on the right side of the 3rd hole or crossing the 18th hole in front of the green, the player may play another ball provisionally under any of the applicable options in Rule 26-1. If the original ball is found outside the water hazard, the player must continue play with it. If the original ball is found in the water hazard, the player has the option of playing the ball as it lies (no penalty) or continue play with the ball played provisionally (under penalty of one stroke). If the original ball is not found within the five minute search period, the player must continue with the ball played provisionally. Please note that if a ball is played provisionally and the original ball is found in the water hazard, the player may not proceed under Rule 26-1 with regard to the original ball (as this is what the player did by playing the provisional ball in the first place).