Driver from the tee goes straight down the fairway, but carries a little further than expected and lands directly in a little creek running across the fairway marked by yellow stakes. (The creek is pretty much dry, but is a little damp) As it turns out, the ball has plugged in the creek where water is normally flowing. The ball is clearly within the yellow stakes.
Is the player allowed to lift clean and place without penalty because the ball plugged like we would do if it was in the fairway?
Or must the player play the ball as it lies because it is in a designated hazard and not allowed to unplug the ball? (This would result in a drop because the ball is unplayable)
Thank you!!
