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
![](http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg157/dantovey/6%20amp%2016_zpst65nfz9v.jpg)
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.