Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Temporary Water is any temporary accumulation of water on the ground, such as a puddle after rain, irrigation or overflow. It must be outside a penalty area and visible before or after taking a normal stance. Dew and frost are excluded; snow and natural ice can qualify.
How it matters in match play
Temporary Water does not change how a hole is scored in Match Play; it changes where a player may play. If it interferes with the ball, stance or swing, the player can generally take free relief under Rule 16.1, except in a penalty area. On the putting green, interference with the line of play can also qualify, and the ball is placed rather than dropped.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Temporary Water |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Definition of Temporary Water; Rule 16.1 (especially 16.1a, 16.1b and 16.1d) |
| Related concepts | Abnormal Course Condition, Free Relief, Penalty Area, Nearest Point of Complete Relief, Relief Area |
Worked example
Alex's ball is in a puddle in the general area; he identifies the nearest point of complete relief and drops within 1 club-length, with no penalty stroke, before Ben plays.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Definition of Temporary Water; Rule 16.1 (especially 16.1a, 16.1b and 16.1d)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Does Temporary Water always give free relief?
No. Rule 16.1 generally allows free relief for interference by Temporary Water, but the ball must not be in a penalty area and the interference must meet the Rule's conditions. A player cannot claim relief merely because a preferred club or swing is inconvenient.
Can I take relief if Temporary Water is on my putting line?
Only when the ball is on the putting green and the Temporary Water intervenes on the line of play. Under Rule 16.1d, place the ball at the nearest point of complete relief on the putting green or in the general area; do not drop it.
Are dew and frost Temporary Water?
No. The Definition of Temporary Water expressly excludes dew and frost. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, may be treated as loose impediments or Temporary Water when on the ground, at the player's option.
What if the ball is in a penalty area with standing water?
Rule 16.1 does not provide abnormal-course-condition relief when the ball is in a penalty area. The player must consider the options under Rule 17, unless another applicable Rule or Local Rule changes the situation.
Is Temporary Water a penalty?
No. When Rule 16.1 relief is available and taken correctly, it is free relief, so no penalty stroke is added. The player still has to identify the correct reference point and use the required drop or placing procedure.
Can Temporary Water exist without a large puddle?
The Definition does not set a numerical minimum size. The water must be a temporary accumulation on the surface and visible before or after the player takes a normal stance, without pressing down excessively with the feet.