Throughout his career, Jack Nicklaus has never grounded his club at address. Rather, he hovers the clubhead above the grass to preclude a violation of Rule 18-2b covering "Ball moving after address." (One of the requirements of addressing the ball, except in a bunker or water hazard, is grounding the club.)
But did Nicklaus' habit save him in water hazards, where the player is not permitted to touch the ground or the water within the hazard (Rule 13-4)? What if Nicklaus brushed the tops of tall grass within the water hazard while hovering the clubhead, or while taking a practice swing? The answer is found in Decision 13-4/4: No penalty, "provided the player did not improve his lie or test the condition of the hazard."
Another hypothetical situation: Suppose Nicklaus' ball were in the water hazard, and he took his stance and hovered his club. What if the ball then moved? He would be penalized one stroke, and he would be required to replace the ball. Remember, when the player's ball is in a hazard, he need only take his stance to satisfy the definition of "addressing the ball."
Water hazards (and bunkers) are especially tricky on matters concerning grounding your club. If your ball lies on a bridge spanning a water hazard, you may ground your club on the bridge. If your ball touches a line defining the margin of the water hazard, you are permitted to ground your club outside the hazard.
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