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Obstacles & HardshipsGolf Rules and Basics All clubs Beginner ⏱ 2 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Side Water Hazards in Golf: The Options, Marion Ricordeau

Did your ball just land in the water next to the hole? Marion Ricordeau shows you what to do: locate the point of entry, understand your options, and make a successful drop.

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Marion Ricordeau
Marion Ricordeau · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

3 minSame problemHitting Over a Tree on the Golf Course: The Club Shaft TrickKarine Icher · Beginner / Intermediate2 minSame problemThe Low Punch Under the Branches: David LeadbetterDavid Leadbetter · Beginner / Intermediate2 minFrom the same proBuilding Your Golf Bag: The Clubs, Marion RicordeauMarion Ricordeau · Beginner

What the lesson shows

After a failed attempt at a side water obstacle, Marion Ricordeau begins by define the entry point: the line along which the ball entered the hazard. She marks it with a tee. She then four options. The best-known method: drop the ball within a radius of two club lengths from the point of entry, measured using any club from the bag, without getting close to the flag.

Second option: Start from the entry point, align yourself with the flagline, and step back as far as you like. Third: return to where you were and play from there, which results in a longer shot. Fourth: play the ball from where it lies. She chooses the two club lengths, measures them, and marks them with a tee, then knee-length, according to the new rule.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Locate the spot where the ball entered the hazard and mark it with a tee.
  2. Choose one of the four options.
  3. For the two-club-length option, measure them with any club from the entry point and mark the boundary.
  4. Make sure the area doesn't bring you closer to the flag.
  5. Drop the ball at knee height in this area.
  6. Take your tees and play.

Key Takeaways

Locate and mark the point where the ball entered the hazard with a tee.
Option 1: Drop the ball within two club lengths, without getting closer to the flag.
Option 2: Move back as far as you want along the line from the entry point to the flag.
Option 3: Play again from the spot where the previous shot was taken.
Option 4: Play the ball where it is.
The drop is made at knee height.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Do not mark the entry point before choosing your option.
  • Get closer to the flag by dropping.
  • Drop it somewhere other than at knee level.
  • Wanting to play ball in the water without realizing how difficult it is.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. On a hole bordered by water, figure out where a ball would land and mark that spot
  2. Measure two club lengths from this point
  3. Do a few drops at knee height

Your Questions

What are your options when the ball is in a lateral water hazard?

Marion Ricordeau lists four options: drop the ball within two club lengths of the point of entry without moving closer to the flag, move back along the line between the point of entry and the flag, replay from the previous spot, or play the ball as it lies.

How do you find the entry point?

This is the line along which the ball entered the hazard. He marks it with a tee before deciding which option to take.

How high should you drop it?

At knee height, as specified by the new rule mentioned in the video.

Learn More

All “Obstacles & Struggles” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Golf Rules and Basics” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Hitting Over a Tree on the Golf Course: The Club Shaft TrickPlace the clubface flat in front of the ball, with the shaft pointing toward the obstacle: the angle of the shaft indicates whether the ball will go over or under the trees. Fairway Bunker: Marion Ricordeau's Simple EscapeIn a big fairway bunker 130 yards from the green, without grounding the club: ball slightly back in your stance and ball-then-sand contact for a reasonable distance. Hitting a High Ball in Golf with Marion RicordeauTo clear the trees: keep your stance slightly open, keep the ball on your front leg, and, most importantly, maintain your angles without trying to lift the ball. Marion RicordeauAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Marion Ricordeau). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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