Do I have to use the drop area?

Question

The scenario: I am playing a hole that crosses over a water hazard (yellow). The rules committee has established a drop area for this water hazard. Do I HAVE to use it or can I still use my other options for hitting a ball into a yellow hazard?

Answer 1

If there is a drop area on a hole you can use it, but I don't believe you HAVE to. If you were playing in a tournament, you would have to, but for scratch golf I'm sure you don't have to.

Answer 2

You don't have to use the drop area.  In most cases they are used to speed up play in tournaments or on par-3's because the only other option would be to replay the shot from the tee.  Drop circles seem to always be used because 99 out of 100 times they are the best option for a drop.