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. Stroke and Distance Local Rule

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.

2. 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 Rules 16.1b.

3. 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.
• Penalty stakes Red and or Yellow are immovable obstructions.

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

4. 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 relief no nearer to the hole without penalty.

5. Tree Stumps and Trees trimmed by Ground staff

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

6. Heritage Wall 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, and 18th holes

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

7. Ground Under Repair Rule 16

The following areas are defined as ground under repair GUR and total relief is compulsory under Rule 16

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

8. 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.

9. Movable Obstructions Rule 15

Stones in bunkers, course hoops and Hazard stakes are movable obstructions. A player may remove a movable obstruction anywhere on or off the course and may do so in any way.

10. Deliberately playing down incorrect Fairways

Players who hit their tee shot off the 1st Tee, or any future shots whilst playing the 1st hole, and deliberately aim down the 2nd fairway, are putting other golfers safety at risk. If anyone deliberately aims down another fairway, they will be in breach of the clubs code of conduct and will be asked to meet with the Match Committee and or Board.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE

Stroke Play – 2 shots
Match Play – Loss of Hole