At Reddish Vale we are blessed with a spectacular river flowing through the course, which is in play on several holes, notably the 6th and the 16th
The river has always been marked with OOB posts on these holes, but I repeatedly been asked by visitors such as Ran Morrisett and Ward Peyronnin why it is not a water hazard. I have no answer other than that's how it has always been.
The only issue I can think of is safety; the banks are treacherous and the river deep. It might not be a good idea for golfers to be tempted to play shots from precarious positions. On the other hand, a drop and one shot penalty would seem a fairer punishment than two shots and distance.
What are the arguments either way?
PS The trees bordering the river on the par 3 6th have all been removed since this Google Earth image.