2. Water Hazards
a. Lateral Water Hazards
Clarifying the status of water hazards that may be lateral water hazards (Rule 26).
b. Provisional Ball
Permitting play of a provisional ball under Rule 26-1 for a ball that may be in a water hazard of such character that if the original ball is not found, there is reasonable evidence that it is lost in the water hazard and it would be impracticable to determine whether the ball is in the hazard or to do so would unduly delay play. The ball is played provisionally under any of the available options under Rule 26-1 or any applicable Local Rule. In such a case, if a provisional ball is played and the original ball is in a water hazard, the player may play the original ball as it lies or continue with the provisional ball in play, but he may not proceed under Rule 26-1 with regard to the original ball.