The Rules Committee has issued a new Q & A. The text is contained below and is also available at www.pdga.com/rules/qa.php (http://www.pdga.com/rules/qa.php)

Rule Question: Building a Lie
Question

A player�s shot lands in a creek that has been declared casual. Can she place a rock or a broken limb behind her mark, in order to keep her feet dry?

Important Note: Previously we had ruled that this was permitted. This opinion reverses that ruling.
Response

Applicable Rules:

* 803.01 (General)
* 803.05 (Obstacles and Relief) C
* 803.04 (Stance, Subsequent to Teeing Off)A.1

803.01 (General) A states �The game of disc golf consists of throwing a flying disc from the teeing area to a target by a throw or successive throws. Players shall play the course as they find it and play the disc where it lies unless allowed otherwise by the Rules.�

Rocks and broken limbs are obstacles on the course, which can not be moved except as specified under 803.05 (Obstacles and Relief) C, pursuant to a safe stance and run up.

Additionally, 803.04 (Stance, Subsequent to Teeing Off) A 1, requires that one �Have at least one supporting point that is in contact with the playing surface on the line of play and within 30 centimeters directly behind the marker disc�.

Conclusion: You take a stance in the mud or casual water just as you would in the fairway. One should never expect to be able to move obstacles, except as narrowly defined under �Obstacles and Relief�.

The PDGA Rules Committee

Carlton Howard, Chair
John Chapman
Conrad Damon
Harold Duvall
Joe Garcia
Jim Garnett
Rick Voakes