Casual Water in Trap

Question
While playing after a rain storm a party in my foursome hit his ball into a green side bunker that had not yet drained.  The ball landed in approximately 2" of water in the bunker.  The entire bunker was not filled with water just where his ball come down.  He claimed he should get relief from the casual water and drop outside the bunker.  What would be the appropriate ruling in this situation?

Answer
Hello Ron:
Thanks for asking this question.

If your ball comes to rest in casual water within a bunker, you may drop without penalty at the nearest point of relief within the bunker, no nearer the hole. That applies no matter what the condition is of the rest of the bunker.

If the rest of the bunker is dry, great. But even if the entire bunker contains water, the same rule applies. According to the USGA Web site, "the player may drop the ball in the bunker at a point that provides maximum available relief (i.e., in 1 inch of water rather than 5 inches)."

Alternatively, the player may take a one stroke penalty and drop outside the bunker.

Please see Rule 25-1.

Hope this helps you.
Thanks.