Sergio Garcia is in the spotlight again.  The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf and Country Club always produces things to talk about.  Right now, many media outlets are talking about Garcia’s climb up a tree to play the ball out to the fairway.  It can be seen at PGATOUR.COM.

I, however, what to talk about another shot that Sergio made during the second round.  Unlike Nicholas Thompson who hit the ball out of the water hazard to within 2 feet of the pin, Garcia hit a ball, it landed on the bank in the hazard and jumped back into the water.  He could not play the ball the second time and took a drop adjacent to the spot he took his swing.

While watching, I was confused how they figure out the point of entry in the red staked hazard.  I did not see the ball go into the hazard, but must assess that his point of entry into the hazard would not have changed regardless if he tried the shot or not.

I realize this sounds confusing.  Well I am confused.  I have not encountered this situation before so I need some help.  I believe that rule 26 applies, but since he took a shot, missed and it stayed in the hazard….does it still apply?  Can someone explain which rule to apply and number of stroke penalty Sergio Garcia should be assessed?