Local Rules

To be read in conjunction with the Rules of Golf as published by the R & A Rules limited and any Temporary Local Rules

  1. Out of Bounds (Rule 18)
    1. Beyond any fences or white stakes bounding the course
    1. Clubhouse area, driveway and car park as defined by white stakes

When a player’s ball has not been found or is known or virtually certain to be out of bounds, the player may proceed under the Stroke and Distance Local Rule for a penalty of two strokes, rather than returning to the point where the ball was last played. This Local Rule is not available if a provisional ball has been played. 

Further explanation is provided below if Rule is to be exercised:

  • The estimated point where the original ball last crossed the edge of the Out of Bounds should first be located
  • From this point, a line perpendicular to the line of play should be taken to the fairway, no closer to the hole. 
  • From this reference point, the player may now drop anywhere within two club-lengths on the fairway behind this line for a penalty of two strokes
  • Trees / Shrubs (Rule 16.1b)

If a tree or shrub (under 2 club lengths in height) interferes with a player’s stance or the area of his intended swing, the player MUST take relief as provided in Rule 16.1b

  • Immovable Obstructions (Rule 16.1a)
    • All artificially surfaced roads and paths (including gravel), course signage, buildings, sprinkler heads, ropes, hoses, and drainage grates are immovable obstructions
    • Sprinkler Heads and tap covers within two club lengths of the putting green and within two club lengths of the ball, the player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.  (There is no relief under this Local Rule if a player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable)

If a player’s ball is in the general area (ie NOT in a Penalty area), and an immovable obstruction interferes with the players stance and/or swing, then the player can take free relief by dropping the ball at the nearest point of complete relief no nearer the Hole and within one club length of the complete relief.

  • Cracks (Rule 16)

Relief may be taken from a ball coming to rest in a crack in the earth. Relief from cracks may be taken through the green. The player may proceed in conformance to Rule 16 (Abnormal Ground Conditions) and may lift and drop the ball at the nearest point of complete relief no nearer to the hole without penalty

  • Tree Stumps

To be treated as GUR, the player may lift and drop the ball at the nearest point of complete relief no nearer to the hole without penalty. 

  • Heritage Wall (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, and 18th holes)

The Heritage wall is an immovable obstruction and is generally defined by Blue Markers.  Any ball coming to rest within the blue markers, MUST be dropped outside the markers at the nearest point of complete relief no nearer the hole.

If there are no Blue Markers defining the Heritage Wall and your swing or stance is impeded by the Wall you may take a free drop at the nearest point of complete relief no nearer the Hole, however if a part of the Heritage Wall that interferes with your stance or swing is outside the boundary of the course, then no relief can be obtained.

  • Ground Under Repair (Rule 16)

The following areas are defined as ground under repair (GUR) and complete relief is compulsory under Rule 16:

  • Those areas defined by blue stakes, white lines or GUR signage
  • Garden beds with mulch coverings
  • Embedded stones

Complete relief must be taken at the nearest Drop Zone, or if no Drop Zone is evident, at the nearest point of complete relief, no nearer the Hole.

  • Penalty Area (Rule 17)

Defined by Red or Yellow stakes and/or lines.  Where a line exists, the line defines the margin of the general area and the line is considered a part of the Penalty Area.

  • Movable Obstructions (Rule 15)

Stones in bunkers, course hoops and Penalty stakes are movable obstructions. 

A player may remove a movable obstruction anywhere on or off the course and may do so in any way.

  1. Internal Out of Bounds – 1st Hole

When playing the 1st hole only, a ball on or beyond the 2nd fairway (defined by the White stakes with Black Tops on the edge of the closely-mown area) is out of bounds.  Refer to Point 1 for options if your ball is Out of Bounds

  1.  Weather Hut (Holes 7/8)

The Weather Hut that splits Holes 7 and 8 Is an integral part of the Golf Course and as such any Player whose ball comes to rest on or near the Hut shall follow the below Local Rule:

  1. If the Weather Hut interferes with the Players stance or swing, the Player may take free relief at the nearest point of complete relief, no nearer the Hole, keeping in mind (b) below
  2. If the Weather Hut interferers with the Players Line of Sight, no free relief can be taken
  3. If a Players ball comes to rest on the roof of the Weather Hut, it must be first located and identified before proceeding any further.
    1. If the ball is located, normal Unplayable Lie Rules should be applied
    1. If the ball is not located, normal Lost Ball Rules should be applied

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE

Stroke Play – 2 shots

Match Play – Loss of Hole