Are dew and frost classified as temporary water or loose impediments at a player's option?

Dew and frost are considered natural phenomena that occur on the golf course, but they do not meet the criteria to be classified as temporary water. Temporary water is typically defined as areas on the course that contain water and can affect the play of a ball, such as puddles or standing water. In contrast, dew and frost are merely conditions that can be present on the grass surfaces but do not accumulate or remain in a way that interferes with the playability of the course.

The key distinction is that temporary water must have a certain depth and area that impacts how a player can play their ball. Dew and frost can create slippery conditions or affect the roll of the ball but do not create standing water that would necessitate relief. Understanding this classification is crucial for players as it affects decision-making regarding the rules of play on the course. Therefore, classifying dew and frost strictly as never being temporary water accurately reflects the rules of golf and their influence on gameplay.