Local Rules

Local Rules

The latest Local Rules which came into force on June 1^st 2024 were revised on

• 15^th August 2024 to clarify that exposed bunker linings are classed as Immovable Obstructions.
• 31^st August 2024 to define a grip.
• 5^th September 2024 to clarify that roads, paths and bridges comprise abnormal ground conditions only if they are artificially surfaced.

PLEASE NOTE that these revisions will be ratified by the Competition and Handicap Committee in due course.

The Local Rules are downloadable as a pdf.

Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2)

Defining Boundaries

• In or over Boundary Ditches
• Over all Boundary Hedges and Fences
• The Practice Putting Green
• The Car Park
• The Path/Road around the Professional's Shop and Green Keepers' yard
• The Ornamental Wall and Patio in front of the Club House
• The paving that runs adjacent to the Ornament Wall (course side) on the 1st hole.

Stakes Identifying Out of Bounds

Where the boundary is defined by a white line painted on the ground or a grip (defined as a very shallow ditch on holes such as the 1^st, 4^th and 13^th) or white stakes. These stakes define the boundary line and are immovable obstructions. There is no free relief from such boundary objects (Rule 16.1).

However, where the white stakes have black tops these stakes are not boundary objects but simply indicate where the boundary exists (the boundary still being defined by a white line or grip) and as a result are movable obstructions and can be moved without penalty (MLR A-6). However, once the shot has been played the stakes so moved under this rule MUST be replaced.

Defining Abnormal Course Conditions (including Immovable Obstructions) (Rule 16)

Abnormal Course Conditions

• Ground under repair is defined by any area encircled by a white line.
• Areas in bunkers where sand has been removed by the movement of water resulting in deep furrows through the sand are ground under repair.
• Deep vehicle tracks/ruts, e.g. an inch deep
• Exposed bunker linings are classed as immovable obstructions and as such relief is allowed both for stance and ball.
• Roads, paths and bridges, if artificially surfaced
• Artificial membrane, laid down to facilitate the growth of an area of newly seeded grass
• Mesh fence around the 3^rd tee
• Rain shelters
• Course furniture, e.g. signage, ball washers and water fountains

Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Greens (MLR F-5)

When a ball lies in the general area, interference exists if an immovable obstruction (e.g. a sprinkler head or an inspection/drainage cover) is on the player’s line of play, is within two club-lengths of the putting green and is within two club-lengths of the ball. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.

Exception – There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.

Protection of Young Trees (MLR E-10)

The young trees identified by stakes or wires/guards are no play zones.

If a player’s ball lies anywhere on the course other than in a penalty area and it lies on or touches such a tree or such a tree interferes with the player’s stance or area of intended swing, the player must take relief under Rule 16.1f.

Please note: that free relief is not allowed for interference on the line of play (line of sight), and this rule also applies to other immovable obstructions, such as, the mesh fence around the 3^rd tee, rain shelters, course signage, ball washers, and water fountains.

Relief from Aeration Holes/lines (MLR E-4)

If a player's ball lies in or touches an aeration hole/line in the general area (fairways or rough) or on the Green, the player may take free relief.
In the general area the ball must be dropped and on the Green the ball must be placed. (see Rule 16.1b & 16.1d)

Relief from Seams of Cut Turf (MLR F-7)

If a player's ball lies in or touches a seam of cut turf in the general area (fairways or rough) or on the Green, the player may take free relief.
In the general area the ball must be dropped and on the Green the ball must be placed. (see Rule 16.1b & 16.1d)

Relief from Cracks in the Ground (MLR F-8)

If a player's ball lies on a crack in the ground in the general area, which is cut to fairway height or less, these are treated as ground under repair.
The player may take free relief and the ball must be dropped. (see Rule 16.1b)

Ropes and Supporting Stakes

Ropes and their supporting stakes used to protect the Course from excessive wear MAY BE MOVED as they are deemed to be MOVABLE obstructions (Rule 15.2a).
However, once the shot has been played any ropes or supporting stakes so moved under this rule MUST be replaced.

The use of this Rule will be closely monitored.
Multiple occurrences of failure to comply with the above condition will result in the obstructions being treated as immovable and appropriate relief taken (Rule 16.1).

Note that a ball which strikes such a rope or supporting stake must then either be played as it lies, or if necessary, relief taken as stated above – it cannot be re-played.

Please DO NOT take buggies/trollies within roped-off areas as they are there to help protect the course.

No Play Zone (MLR E-8.1)

The following are no play zones and the player MUST take relief from interference by the no play zone and the ball MUST be dropped. (see Rule 16.1b & 16.1f)

• Newly seeded areas (not filled-in divots)

The R&A Rules of Golf can be found on their website or via the R&A mobile app.

DEFINITIONS which form the foundation around which the Rules of Golf are written can also be found on the R&A website

Competition & Handicap Committee

5^th September 2024