LOCAL RULES - April 2024
OUT OF BOUNDS
Out of Bounds is defined as:
• Beyond the line between white posts.
Note: the white posts to the left of the 7th hole from the teeing area to the bridge near the green are only out of bounds when playing the 7th hole.
• On or over the practice putting green and flower beds surrounding it and the fenced seating area behind the 9th green.
• On or over the flower beds and artificially surfaced areas surrounding the Clubhouse and the Professional's shop.
• Beyond the centre line of boundary hedges. This includes hedges separating the practice ground and the 6th, 8th and 9th holes.
• Beyond the inside edge of boundary fences.
IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS
All roads, paths, and pylons on the course are treated as immovable obstructions. Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1.
All bridges are treated as immovable obstructions except when the ball lies on a bridge within a red or yellow penalty area. Free relief may not be taken and Rule 17.1 applies.
Fixed sprinkler heads are immovable obstructions. Free relief under Rule 16.1 may be taken. In addition, free relief under Rule 16.1b may be taken if the fixed sprinkler head is on the line of play, and is:
• Within two club-lengths of the putting green and
• Within two club-lengths of the ball.
STAKED TREES
All trees attached to stakes are no play zones. Free relief under Rule 16.1f must be taken. RED AND YELLOW PENALTY AREAS
The edge of a penalty area is defined by the line between the outside points of the stakes at ground level. The stakes are inside the penalty area. Where the edge of the penalty area curves (for example the stream across the 8th hole) a ball lying below the level of the surrounding ground is inside the penalty area_ Relief may be taken under Rule 17.1d.
POWER CABLES/ PYLONS
If it is known or virtually certain that a player's ball hit a power line or pylon during the play of any hole, the stroke does not count. The player must play a ball without penalty from where the previous stroke was made under Rule 14.6.
MARKER POSTS
Marker posts indicating penalty areas, distance or direction should be treated as movable obstructions and Rule 15.2 applies. If these are not easily movable (for example distance markers set into fairways), they should be treated as immovable obstructions and Rule 16.1 applies. White stakes indicating out of bounds are boundary objects and cannot be moved nor relief obtained. Rule 8.1a applies.
TEMPORARY GREENS
If a temporary green is in play and a player's ball comes to rest on the normal green for that hole, it should be treated as a wrong green. Relief must be taken under Rule 13.1f.
TRACTOR AND GREEN-KEEPING EQUIPMENT MARKS
Such marks are treated as an abnormal course condition. Relief may be taken under Rule 16.1.
AERATION HOLES AND DRAINAGE WORKS
If a player’s ball lies in or touches an aeration hole or drainage works:
• Ball in General Area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. If the ball comes to rest in another aeration hole the player may take relief again under this Local Rule.
• Ball on Putting Green. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1d.
TREE REMOVAL
Where trees are being removed for course management and the stump is in the process of being unearthed or cut up for removal, the area affected (including wood shavings or chippings) is classed as ground under repair, whether or not it is marked. Relief must be taken under Rule 16.1. Tree stumps are not classified as GUR and the ball must be played as it lies.
PREFERRED LIES
When preferred lies are in operation, if a player's ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:
• Reference Point: Spot of the original ball.
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: Six inches, but with these limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
o Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
o Must be in the general area.
In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF THE LOCAL RULE
Match Play: Loss of Hole Stroke Play: Two Strokes
Any disputes should be referred to the Handicaps and Competitions committee, whose decision will be final. In case of any dispute on a hole, we suggest that you play a second ball for the remainder of the hole so that you have a counting score should we decide against your initial decision.