Temporary Local Rules South Course - October 2026
Abnormal Course Conditions (Rule 16.1)
a) Bunker Surrounds: Players MAY take free relief under Rule 16.1b if their ball lies within one club length (driver) of a bunker in the General Area. If a player’s ball lies in the bunker and the player must stand on a bunker surround to play, they MAY take either free relief in the bunker, or take penalty relief outside of the bunker, under Rule 16.1c.
Please note bunker surrounds are on top of the bunker. Some players have apparently been taking relief if their swing is impeded by the bunker walls (revetting). This is not allowed; the ball must be played as it lies.
b) Drainage Channels:
Any Drainage Channel in the General Area, is an abnormal course condition. The player MAY take relief under rule 16.1b, for interference to lie of ball, stance, or swing.
c) Cracks in the Ground:
Any cracks in the ground in the General Area, due to recent weather conditions, are Ground Under Repair. The player MAY take free relief under 16.1b. However, relief is NOT allowed if the crack only interferes with the player’s stance.
d) Sanding and Seeding Worn Areas Around Bunkers and Bunker Surrounds:
All visibly sanded and seeded repair areas around the bunkers and their surrounds in the General Area, are Ground Under Repair (GUR)) and relief MUST be taken under Rule 16.1b, for lie of ball only. Relief is NOT allowed if the areas only interfere with the player’s stance. Due to the number of repairs, these areas will not be individually marked.
PREFERRED LIES (South and East Course). (R&A Model Local Rule E-3)
When any part of a player’s ball touches 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 a relief area of 6 inches (from the spot of the original ball), no nearer the hole.
George Sutherland
TRC Rules Official
23.10.2026
