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The Downs Course

Local Rules

1) Out of bounds (Rule 18.2)

i) Beyond wall to the left of the 1st. 

ii) Underpass: Within area defined by stakes 

iii) Beyond all boundary fences

 

2) Penalty Areas (Rule 17)

i) Are defined in red on holes 4, 6, 14 and 17, as well as yellow on hole 2

ii) The red penalty area beyond the pathway to the right of the 4th hole and left of the 6th hole, is defined by the far side edging of the pathway, not the line of the stakes. The red stakes are a visual reference point only

iii) Two drop zones are in operation on hole 17 for balls finishing in the penalty areas. To use the drop zones, you will need to drop the ball in the corresponding drop zone to that of the penalty area whereby the ball came to rest

iv) The 2nd hole escarpment is defined by a yellow staked penalty area

 

See below relief options for staked penalty areas:

  • Option 1 - Play the ball as it lies for no penalty (there is no penalty for touching the ground or water with your hand or club)
  • Option 2 - Take stroke-and-distance relief by playing a ball from a relief area based on where the previous stroke was made (1 stroke penalty)
  • Option 3 - Take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball outside the penalty area, keeping the point at which the ball crossed the hazard between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped (1 stroke penalty)
  • Option 4 - Take lateral relief. The reference point for taking relief is where the ball crossed the hazard, where a drop can be taken within a two club-length relief area, no nearer the hole - Please note this option is for RED STAKED PENALTY AREAS ONLY (1 stroke penalty)

 

3) Abnormal Ground Conditions(Including Immovable Obstructions) Rule 16)

i) Areas defined by a white line.

ii) Roads and constructed paths.

iii) Irrigation covers and sprinkler heads. Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be obtained under rule 16.1. In addition, if a ball lies off the putting green, but not in a penalty area, and an immovable obstruction on or within two clubs lengths of the putting green and within two club lenths of the ball, intervenes on the line of play between the ball and the hole, the player may take relief.

 

4) Protection of young trees and plants 

i) Young trees identified by stakes.

ii) Cowslips and orchids are protected plants. If such trees or plants interferes with a players stance or the area of their intended swing, the ball must be lifted, without penalty, and dropped in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Rule 16.1 (immovable obstruction)

 

5) The Downs Course Fairways -  Local Rule F-8

i) If your ball comes to rest within a crack in the ground in parts of the Downs Course that is cut to fairway height or less, the player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.  

ii) Relief is not allowed if the crack only interferes with the player’s stance.

iii) Rule 16.1b - You are entitled to take free relief (the ball must be dropped not placed), no nearer the hole and within one club length.