Local Rules

B-2 Relief on Opposite Side of Red Penalty Area
When a ball last crossed the edge of the red penalty area (between the 13th and 17th), the player may drop a ball on the opposite edge of the penalty area with a 1 penalty stroke. See Model Local Rule B-2.1 for details of where to drop.

 

F-1 Defining Abnormal Course Conditions and Integral Objects
Abnormal Course Conditions (including Immovable Obstructions) (Rule 16)

  • All teeing areas that are used on holes other than the one being played must be treated as Ground Under Repair and take relief without penalty. This also includes all winter mats.

  • The practice short game area between the 9th green and 10th tee, which is marked with blue posts.

  • Any area which is marked with spray paint by greenkeeping staff.

  • Any drainage areas where your ball comes to rest on a gravel drain should be treated as Ground Under Repair.

  • All tarmac and other man-made paths, fixed sprinkler heads, and stones are treated as immovable obstructions.

  • All staked trees within your intended swing, one club-length or stance. You must take full relief without penalty.

 

A-1 Defining Boundaries Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2)

  • Out of bounds is defined by the line between the course-side points at ground level of white stakes and fence posts. Out of bounds is also defined by the driving range fence.

 

E-4 Relief from Aeration Holes

  • If a player’s ball lies in or touches an aeration hole on the putting green, relief may be taken under Rule 16.1. See Model Local Rule E-4 for further details.

 

E-1 Dropping Zones
If a ball is in the penalty area (16th & 14th hole lakes), including when it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found came to rest in the penalty area, the player has these relief options, each for one penalty stroke:

  • Take relief under Rule 17.1, or

  • As an extra option, drop the original ball or another ball in the dropping zone located short of the lake. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.

 

E-5 Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds
This rule is NOT in play here at China Fleet Country Club for any club qualifying competition.

 

Local Rules: Robot Mowers 

1. Ball Comes to Rest Against a Robot Mower or Blocks the Player’s Stance or Swing

  • Rule Applied: Immovable Obstruction (Rule 16.1)
  • If the mower is not in motion, it is treated as an immovable obstruction.
  • The player may take free relief by dropping the ball within one club-length from the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole. (Agreement must be made between playing partners).

 

2. Robot Mower Moves the Ball

  • Rule Applied: Ball Moved by Outside Influence (Rule 9.6)
  • If the mower accidentally moves the ball, there is no penalty to any player.
  • The ball must be replaced at its original position. (Agreement must be made between playing partners).

 

3. Ball Strikes a Moving Robot Mower

  • Rule Applied: Ball in Motion Hits Outside Influence (Rule 11.1)
  • If a shot hits a moving robot mower, the ball must be played as it lies.
  • If the ball is deflected out of bounds or into an unplayable area, the player must take relief under the normal Out of Bounds or unplayable ball rules (penalty applies).
  • If the mower carries the ball away, Rule 11.1b applies: the player must drop a ball at the estimated spot where it was picked up, without penalty. (Agreement must be made between playing partners).

 

4. Ball Is Damaged by a Robot Mower

  • Rule Applied: Cut or Cracked Ball (Rule 4.2c)
  • If a ball is cut, cracked, or significantly damaged by a robot mower, the player may replace it without penalty.
  • However, the player must not swap the ball unless it is actually damaged—normal scuffs or dirt do not qualify for a free replacement. (Agreement must be made between playing partners).

 

5. Ball Lodges Inside a Robot Mower (e.g., in a Blade Housing or Collection Compartment)

  • Rule Applied: Ball Moved by Outside Influence (Rule 9.6)
  • If a ball ends up inside a robot mower (e.g., sucked into a collection compartment or lodged in the blades), the mower is treated as a moving outside influence.
  • The player must replace the ball at the estimated spot where it was taken, without penalty.
  • If the spot is unknown, it should be estimated, and the ball must be dropped (or placed if on the green). (Agreement must be made between playing partners).

 

6. Robot Mower Blocks a Direct Line to the Hole but Is Not in the Player’s Stance or Swing Path

  • Rule Applied: Line-of-Sight Relief NOT Allowed (Rule 16.1)
  • Unlike temporary immovable obstructions (like TV towers), a robot mower does not qualify for line-of-sight relief.
  • If the mower is stationary and blocking the hole, the player must play around it.