Temporary Local Rules South Course - June 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 (riveting). This is not allowed; the ball must be played as it lies.

b) Drainage Channels: Any Unhealed Drainage Channel in the General Area, where the channel has not fully grassed over, or where the ball clearly lies below the natural level of the surrounding area, is an abnormal course condition. The player MAY take relief under rule 16.1b, for interference to lie of ball only, not stance.

To clarify, where a drainage channel is grassed over, even with dry, brown grass, it is defined as healed and free relief is not available, unless the ball lies below the same height as the surrounding turf

George Sutherland 

TRC Rules Official

4 June 2026