Mushy Ground

On hole #10, a player's ball came to rest in an area of mushy ground:

The player asked if relief was available.

To obtain relief, the area in question would have to be deemed an “Abnormal Course Condition” under USGA Rules. There are 4 conditions that fall under this definition, and the most fitting condition in this case would have been Temporary Water: Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that can be seen before or after the player takes a stance.

When we inspected the area, neither the player nor I could see any water on the ground surface, even when he simulated his stance. Unfortunately for the player, the USGA definition of Temporary Water goes on to state: It is not enough for the ground to be merely wet, muddy or soft or for the water to be momentarily visible as the player steps on the ground; an accumulation of water must remain present either before or after the stance is taken. Consequently, the player had to play his ball as it lay.