OnePutt

Duffnshank, here’s the definition or Temporary Water (copied directly from the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf):

Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that:
Is not in a penalty area, and
Can be seen before or after the player takes a stance (without pressing down excessively with their feet).
It is not enough for the ground to be merely wet, muddy or soft or for the water to be momentarily visible as the player steps on the ground; an accumulation of water must remain present either before or after the stance is taken. (end of definition)

Commentary - Water must be present before taking the stance (it wasn’t with Sam), or present after the stance is completely taken (both rules officials say it wasn’t). It doesn’t matter if water is momentarily visible while a player is in the process of taking the stance or walking near the ball.

Your comments and others are not unexpected; this is a generally misunderstood rule.