Local Rules

1. OUT OF BOUNDS

a) Beyond any hedge, fence or line of white stakes defining the boundary of the course including all internal fences when playing any hole.
b) Beyond the line of white posts on the dam and/or next to the lake on the 1st hole.
c) In or over the stream running along the right-hand side of the 2nd and 14th fairways and in or over the stream running along the right-hand side of the 18th hole.
d) Beyond the line of white posts to the left of the 17th fairway.
e) When playing the 1st hole, a ball lying anywhere on the 18th & 13th hole side of the internal fence adjacent the public footpath including the public footpath is OOB.

2. OBSTRUCTIONS – RULE 15

a) Movable (15.2): Stones in bunkers.
b) Abnormal Course Conditions Including Immovable Obstructions (16.1):

  • All fixed course furniture, constructed paths, sprinkler heads and all staked or tagged (indicated by white tape) trees and bushes.

  • The old deer-fence posts on the right-hand side of the 12th hole.

In addition, if any immovable obstruction is within 2 club lengths of the putting green, the player has an additional option. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b if an immovable obstruction is:

  • On the line of play, and is

  • On or within two club-lengths of the putting green, and
    Within two club-lengths of the ball.

3. GROUND UNDER REPAIR

Play is prohibited from any area defined as GUR, as defined by its white paint perimeter, and relief must be taken under Rule 16.1.

4. PENALTY AREAS – RULE 17

All areas defined by red or yellow stakes. A ball coming to rest on a bridge or pathway across a water hazard is in the hazard with the exception of the first hole, as the bridge forms part of the OOB.

5. OVERHEAD WIRES

A ball hitting any overhead wires crossing the course or poles or support stay wires MUST be immediately replayed without penalty. Model Local Rule 8-E11.

6. MEASURING DEVICES – RULE 4.3(a)

For all play at this course, a player may obtain distance information by use of a distance-measuring device.

7. MOBILE PHONES

Mobile phones are acceptable on the golf course as long as used in accordance with the rules of golf and for emergency purposes only.

8. RELIEF FROM DEEP RUTTED MARKS

Relief may be taken from deep rutted marks under Rule 16.1.

9. FAIRWAY MARKERS

  • Yellow: 150 yards from the front of the green

  • Red: 100 yards from the front of the green

TPGC promotes and recommends ready golf where possible.

Note: Local Rules on the website always take priority regarding any changes.

 

 

Trentham Park Golf Club – Adverse Weather Policy

The safety of Members, Guests and Staff is the Club’s top priority during adverse weather. Weather reports and local conditions are monitored whenever possible, and all reasonable action will be taken to protect all golfers, staff and the public.

In the event of adverse weather, a Club Official/professional/manager or green staff may at their discretion close the course until it is deemed the conditions have past and a notice put up on the approach to the first tee.

 

1. Fog Policy

Objective
To ensure safe playing conditions when visibility is reduced by fog, thereby minimising the risk of injury from golf balls in flight to all parties.

 

1.1 Competition Play

• Play must always start from the 1st tee unless agreed by a club official.

• If the 7th green is not fully visible from the 1st Black Tee Marker, play must be suspended or not started.

• Suspension will be signalled by one long blast of the klaxon. Play must stop immediately and await instructions If you feel it is necessary to leave the course, you must mark your ball and make your way safely back to the clubhouse.

 

• Player Safety in Foggy Conditions:
In the interest of player and staff safety, play must not begin or continue if visibility is significantly reduced due to fog.

• If you cannot clearly see where your ball would land or the group ahead of you, play must be delayed.

• Play must not commence until you can see a safe distance ahead, such that any shot played will not endanger other players, greenkeeping staff, or property.

• The Professional Shop / Starter / Club Official has the authority to suspend, or delay play if visibility is deemed unsafe.

• Players must use their own judgment as well—if in doubt, wait until conditions improve.

• Resumption of play will be signalled by two long blasts of the klaxon. Competitors will be given time to return to their place on the course.

 

1.2 Non-Competition (General) Play

•Exactly the same applies as Competition Play.

 

1.3 Suspension of Play

• A clear notice must always be placed on the 1st tee if play is not permitted due to fog.

• If visibility reduces to an unsafe level during play (for example, if you cannot clearly see golfers ahead in the landing area), golfers must stop immediately and report the condition to the Professional Shop or Manager. Golfers have an individual responsibility to cease play if conditions dictate.

• All golfers must not commence or continue to play when the decision to cease has been made.

 

1.4 Decision Makers

 • An authorised Club Official must have information regarding the level of visibility at the1st tee. The authorised Club Official’s decision will be determined by the visual clarity the 7th green, from the 1st Black tee marker. The flag and outline of the 7th green must be fully visible from the 1st Black tee marker for the cessation or continuance of play. The authorised Club Official must decide on whether visibility is suitable for the commencement or cessation of play. The decision of the authorised Club Official is final regarding the suitability of weather conditions for playing golf.

 

Authorised Club Officials list

General Manager, Head Green Keeper or Deputy, Head Professional, Assistant Professional, Committee Member or Board Member.

The commencement or resumption of play

a. In conditions of swirling fog visibility to the 7th Green must be consistent over a continuous minimum period of 15 minutes.

b. An authorised Club Official will be the final arbiter of when conditions improve, and play can be restarted safely.

 

Background to the policy

Trentham Park Golf Club is situated in a valley and is prone in the winter months to dense Valley fog.

However, such weather conditions can also occur throughout all seasons of the year. We need to ensure that we do not expose people to undue risk at times that can be described as hazardous conditions. Hazardous conditions on a golf course in this context can be considered as when golfers and the public are in danger of being hit by a golf ball in flight in poor visibility weather conditions. The trajectory of a golf ball can be considered hazardous if it be towards the fairway, rough or undergrowth where golfers, the public and animals could be present. This is highlighted by the two following quotations: Extract from article by Michael Shaw, Secretary to the National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association. Golf is a game which is extremely difficult to play in fog. If a golfer hits a shot ‘blind’ into fog and hits a player or member of the public they could well be found negligent and held personally liable for the injuries afflicted. The complainant would be contributory negligent on the same basis. In addition the club could theoretically be sued, but only if it had knowingly allowed play in hazardous conditions, but once again the same rules regarding contributory negligence would be present. An equally serious problem exists if an employee of the club is injured in such circumstances. He could not be said to be guilty of contributory negligence and could claim against the club for negligently allowing play. Therefore, when visibility is limited in fog to the point at least where players cannot see where their driven golf ball is likely to end, they should not be permitted on the course.”

 

2. Lightning Policy

Trentham Park Golf Club Board and Management Team consider the safety of its Members and Guests the top priority during inclement weather. Weather reports and local conditions are monitored during storm warnings.

If it is decided that it is unsafe to continue to play golf as a storm approaches, the

Professional Shop will sound a klaxon to call all golfers off the course and into

the clubhouse or safe location.

Although the Club will take every precaution to ensure the safety of players during a lightning or thunderstorm.

It is a player’s own responsibility to discontinue play when in his/her opinion lightning is in the vicinity.

If there is a risk of lightning play MUST be discontinued. Trentham Park Golf club is not responsible for the safety of any golfer on the course, and it is therefore

your responsibility to remove yourself from any situation which you deem dangerous.

 

If you see lightning or hear the klaxon the following will apply:

  • Proceed immediately to the clubhouse.
  • Do not continue to play golf and do not seek shelter under trees. Trees do not
  • protect you from lightning.
  • If there is a lightning risk, play will be suspended and players must leave the course.
  • Where play is automatically suspended on the sound of the klaxon, a player
  • may not override the Policy decision to evacuate the course.
  • Players should stop play and seek shelter any time they believe lightning threatens them, even if the klaxon has not been sounded.

 

Although the Club will take every precaution to ensure the safety of players during a thunderstorm, it is a player’s own responsibility to discontinue play when in his/her opinion lightning is a threat. It is not always possible to monitor conditions on the entire course and players have a duty of care to themselves.

 

They should therefore take every precaution in such conditions.

Trentham Park Golf Club require that all golfers adhere to the lightning policy and make themselves aware of our Adverse Weather Policy.

Failure to do so is at your own risk and Trentham Park Golf Club accepts no liability for any golfer who fails to co-operate with this policy.

It is not the responsibility of staff to retrieve clubs, equipment or trolleys from the course during a lightning storm where play has been suspended, as their safety may be jeopardised.

Please note that golf buggies do NOT give protection from lightning.

In case of emergency If someone is hit by lightning, call emergency services – they will need help as soon as possible. If you know first aid, apply it – you will not receive an electric shock. A lightning strike is not usually instantly fatal, victims' hearts and/or breathing may stop however, so quick application of CPR will likely save their life.

LIGHTNING IS A SEVERE HAZARD THAT MUST BE VIEWED SERIOUSLY.

There is a defibrillator available adjacent the professional shop for use by golfers & members of the public, in addition there is a second one in the foyer for golfers. You need to ring the emergency services to obtain the code to gain access.

 

General Principles
Playing golf in lightning conditions is extremely dangerous.
• If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, play must cease immediately.
• Golfers must not seek shelter under trees, umbrellas or in golf buggies, as these do not provide protection.
• The safest locations is the Clubhouse The Club will clearly identify and signpost any such shelters on the course.

 

Signals

• One long blast of the klaxon – Suspension of play. All golfers must mark their ball and leave the course immediately.

• Two short blasts – Safe to resume play.

• Three long blasts – Play abandoned. All golfers must return to the Clubhouse.

 

Competitions, Organised Play and General Play

In competitions, the decision to suspend or abandon play rests with the Competition Committee / Tournament Organiser and/or the Professional Shop, depending on who is present and most knowledgeable about the course and conditions.
Under Rule 5.7 of the Rules of Golf, players may stop play if they believe there is a danger from lightning, even if no official signal has been given.
When resuming, play must restart from the point where it was stopped.

 

Individual Responsibility

• Players always have a responsibility for their own safety.

• Outside staffed hours, safety decisions rest with the individual golfer.

• Players should stop play and seek shelter if they believe lightning threatens them, even if the klaxon has not sounded.

• The Club cannot guarantee to monitor conditions across the whole course at all times.

 

Refunds and Tee Times

• If play is suspended due to lightning, golfers should wait in a safe place e.g. Clubhouse until conditions improve and the signal given that it is safe to resume.

• If visiting golfers choose to abandon their round, refunds will not normally apply — however, player safety must always take precedence over financial considerations.

• Reasonable endeavours will be made to reschedule missed tee times where possible.

 

Emergencies

• If someone is struck by lightning, call emergency services immediately (999).

• Administer CPR if necessary – victims do not carry an electric charge and can be safely assisted.

 

Duty of Care

All golfers have a responsibility to protect themselves.
Failure to follow this policy is at the individual’s own risk. Trentham Park Golf Club accepts no liability for any injury or loss arising from non-compliance.
Staff are not expected to retrieve equipment from the course during lightning.

Lightning is a severe hazard and must always be taken seriously

 

3. Juniors

 

General Principles

• The safety and welfare of juniors is of paramount importance.

• Juniors may be less experienced at recognising and responding to adverse weather risks, so extra supervision is required.

 

Responsibilities

• When playing in organised junior events or coaching sessions, the supervising adult (Junior Organiser, PGA Professional or designated responsible adult) will have an extra option in addition to our Adverse Weather Policy to decide if play should commence, continue or be suspended.

• In open competitions involving juniors, the Competition Committee and/or Professional Shop will take responsibility for safety decisions.

• Parents and guardians remain responsible for ensuring their child is appropriately dressed and equipped for the weather (e.g. warm/waterproof clothing, hat, gloves, drinks).

 

Adverse Weather Response

• Juniors wherever possible should be escorted safely to the clubhouse if play is suspended due to fog, lightning or other dangerous conditions.

• Supervising adults must account for all juniors before resumption of play.

 

4. High Winds

 

General Principles

• High winds can cause falling branches, debris, and unstable ground conditions which pose a risk to golfers and staff.

 

Play Restrictions

• If winds are strong enough to move golf balls on the green or to blow over course furniture (signage, bins, flags etc.), the course will be closed until conditions improve.

• Play will also be suspended if there is visible damage to trees or structures that could create a hazard.

• Suspension will be signaled using the klaxon system (as per the Lightning Policy).

 

Trentham Park Golf Club Winter Rules

These rules will apply when course conditions warrant them throughout the year, always check with the Pro Shop before playing. 

Depending on conditions England Golf suggest this could be between 1st October to 30th April but very much on our own circumstances.

It is the player’s responsibility to ensure that they are aware of the playing conditions in force when they play.

 

Preferred Lies (outside of the period for compulsory use of mats – see below) MLR 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 this relief area:

Reference Point: Spot of the original ball.

Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point 6 inches but with these limits:

Limits on Location of Relief Area:

Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and Must be in the general area.

In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e. But, for the purposes of applying Rule 14.2e, the player has only chosen the spot on which to place the ball once the ball has been set down, and the player has let the ball go with the intent for that ball to be in play. After a ball has been placed and is in play under this Local Rule, if the player then proceeds under another Rule that provides relief, this Local Rule may be used again.

When a Player’s Ball lies in a 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 and playing it from this relief area: - 

Reference Point: Spot of the original ball. 

Size of Relief Area Measured from the Reference Point: 6 inches from the reference point, 

Limits on Location of Relief Area:

Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and 

Must be in the general area cut to fairway hight or less. 

In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.  2024 

 

Compulsory Use of Fairway Mats MLR E-12 

TPGC Will announce the start and finish dates for any periods when Fairway Mats must be used. This could be by various means such as Newsletter, Website, Signage and by asking in the Pro Shop.

Fairway mats are compulsory when your ball lies in the General Area cut to fairway height or less and be of commercial use in nature.

Acceptable Scores may be returned in competitions and in general play when there is a Local Rule in place requiring the compulsory use of fairway mats to protect the natural surfaces of the course. The use of fairway mats is not allowed within the teeing area, as this would breach Rule of Golf 6.2b(2) and 6.2b(3).

Please note that the mats used should be plain (see images) and may not have lines which help with alignment as they would then be considered a training aid. 

 

Acceptable

 

 

 

Not Acceptable

 

 

Fairway mats are compulsory when your ball lies in the General Area cut to fairway height or less.

When a player’s ball lies within the above limits in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less and a putter is not being used for the stroke, the player must take free relief by lifting the original ball and placing the original ball or another ball on an artificial mat and play it from there. The mat must be placed on top of the spot where the ball came to rest.  If a ball when placed rolls off the mat, the player must try to place it a second time. If the ball again does not stay on the mat, the mat must be moved to the nearest spot, not nearer the hole, where the ball will come to rest on the mat when placed. If the ball on the mat is accidentally moved before a stroke is made, there is no penalty and the ball must be placed again on the mat. If a tee is used to secure the mat into the ground, the ball must not be placed on the tee.  

Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a

 

 

Relief in Bunkers 

 

If your ball is in a bunker, you may without penalty mark your ball, lift and clean it, rake the bunker and place (not drop) the ball as near as possible to the position from which it was lifted. Please re-rake the bunker before moving on. 

 

Bunker Filled with Temporary Water MLR F-16

Scores are still acceptable for handicap purposes when bunkers have been individually marked as ground under repair, with relief taken under Rule 16.1. This would apply for situations such as severe or prolonged wet weather, or during maintenance work.  A Marked Bunker filled with water is treated as ground under repair in the general area. It is not treated as a bunker during the round. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b. All other bunkers on the course, whether they contain temporary water or not, are still bunkers for all purposes under the Rules.

 

 

13th Hole Winter Tee.  

To avoid confusion during the use of the winter tee to the right of the track on the 13th Hole, the internal out of bounds does not apply. A shot not clearing the track should be played as it lies. A ball coming to rest on the track shall be deemed out of bounds

 

Areas Defined by Small White Posts With A Green Top

 

For any ball coming to rest near the Green & White posts and the post interferes with your intended swing, relief may be taken as per rule 15-2, i.e. full relief plus one club length. The posts must not be removed and are there to divert you around them. 

 

Winter Wheels (Dates as notified by the Club). 

 

During the period of Adverse/Extreme Weather Conditions being in force, all battery-operated trolleys must be fitted with winter wheels or winter wheel adaptation kits. No battery operated trolly will be allowed on the course using smooth surfaced (summer) wheels. The Winter Rules restriction does not apply to standard pull/push trolleys. If you do not have any winter wheels these can be loaned (when available) from the Pro Shop or from time to time you can purchase them at favourable rates. General Care of The Course

 

Temporary Greens – Compulsory Relief 

 

When a player’s ball comes to rest on a temporary green and it is not the green to which they are playing to, the player must mark the ball, lift and drop it within one club length of the nearest point of relief.

Leaves & Leaf Accumulation Relief

When determined by the Committee, all temporary accumulations of leaves or other materials piled by the green staff in the General Area are treated as Ground Under Repair (GUR) under Rule 16.1.
A player whose ball lies in or interferes with their stance or swing due to such accumulations may take free relief as follows:
Identify the nearest point of complete relief that:
Is not nearer the hole than the original ball.
Avoids the accumulation of leaves or other materials.
Is in the General Area (not in a bunker or penalty area).
The player may lift the ball, clean it if desired, and drop it within one club-length of the chosen point, not nearer the hole, in accordance with Rule 16.1b.

Winter Rule – Ball Lost in Leaves Piled By Green Staff

If a ball is known or virtually certain to have come to rest in a defined accumulation of leaves, it is treated as GUR:
The player may take relief without penalty under the “Leaves & Leaf Accumulation Relief” procedure.
If the ball cannot be found and the only reasonable conclusion is that it lies within the leaf accumulation, the player may treat the ball as in GUR and take relief as per the procedure above.
Penalty for Breach of These Local Rules
Stroke Play: Two strokes.
Match Play: Loss of hole.

Winter Rules are to help maintain the course in good condition during these adverse weather conditions and for your own safety.