Extracts of Local Rules. For full rules and penalties see the Local Rules folder in the Clubhouse and notices on the boards.

Relief Procedure: Drop the ball in the general area, from knee height and within one club-length, not closer to the green, of the nearest point of full relief.

 

Local Rule No. 1

There are no obstructions declared integral to the course (unless specific to another local rule). If there is interference by an obstruction as defined in rules 15.2 and 16.1 relief is in accordance with the appropriate section of the same rule, excepting that additional relief may be given in another local rule.

The path between the 7^th and 8^th fairways on the Old Course is declared as an obstruction.

Rules reminder;-  there is no Line of Play relief for an immovable obstruction such as the protection fence on the 2^nd Tee.

Penalty for breach of local rule - The General Penalty

 

Local Rule No. 2

Protection of new and young trees

Where staked and plastic guarded trees interfere with a players stance or their intended line of swing the ball must be lifted (without penalty) and dropped in accordance with rule 16.1( drop the ball in the Relief Area).

Penalty for breach of local rule - The General Penalty

Note for the Newton Course - this is not on the card but the rule still applies

 

Local Rule No. 3

Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Greens (eg a sprinkler head)

"Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1.

The player also has these extra options to take relief when such immovable obstructions are close to the putting green and on the line of play:

Ball in General Area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b if an immovable obstruction is:

On the line of play, and is:

o           Within two club-lengths of the putting green, and

o           Within two club-lengths of the ball.

 

Exception -. There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.

Penalty for Breach of Local Rule - The General Penalty

 

Local Rule No. 4

Aeration Holes and Aeration/drainage slits

 “If a player’s ball lies in or touches an aeration hole or drainage slit:

(a) Ball in General Area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b (Drop the ball in the relief area). If the ball comes to rest in another aeration hole the player may take relief again under this Local Rule.

(b) Ball on Putting Green. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1d. (Place the ball on the nearest point of relief)

Interference does not exist if the aeration hole only interferes with the player’s stance or, on the putting green, on the player’s line of play.

Penalty for breach of local rule - The General Penalty

 

Local Rule No. 5

Exposed Tree Roots

If a player's ball is in the general area and there is interference from exposed tree roots that are in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less or in the first cut of the rough, the tree roots are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.

[Interference does not exist if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance.]

Penalty for Breach of Local Rule - The General Penalty

 

Local Rule No. 9

Out of Bounds - A ball is out of bounds if it comes to rest

•       Outside of any boundary fence or hedge
• Wholly beyond the boundary as defined by the inside edge of white boundary stakes.
• Beyond or wholly on a white line defining the boundary.
• On the 1st/ 9th Holes, on or left of the road (excluding all the upper teeing ground) up to the point where it is level with the penalty area posts.
• To the right of the made up path right of the first tee.
• Wholly beyond the road behind the 2nd Tee, 8th and 9th Greens

Rule 18 Applies

 

Local Rule No. 10

Precedence of Play

Matches of 18 holes having completed the first 9 holes will alternate with matches starting on the first.

 

Local rule No. 11

Preferred Lies (Winter Rule)

Note this rule is effective when advised on the board adjacent to the first tee and or on the notice board in the clubhouse that Winter Rules are in effect.

It is recommended that a player marks the position of the ball before lifting it to ensure the ball is placed within the 6” allowed.

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 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 from the reference point, 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.

Penalty for Breach of Local Rule - The General Penalty

 

Local Rule No. 12

Sit and ride Buggies

The use of sit and ride buggies is not permitted in competition play unless a certificate from a suitably qualified person stating a player has a medical need for one is submitted to the club. The club will also accept a letter from a visitor provided by the visitor’s home club stating that they have allowed the use of a buggy under the same or similar condition.

A player without a medical certificate is not permitted to have their bag/clubs carried on a buggy being used by someone with a medical certificate.

The committee may allow the Organisers of specific competitions to waive this rule.

Penalty for breach of local rule - Disqualification

 

Local Rule No. 13

Wild flower areas and No Play Zones

The areas defined by either white stakes with NPZ, signs hand written or otherwise and a white line are No Play zones  that are to be treated as an abnormal course condition. Free relief must be taken from interference by the no play zone under Rule 16.1f.

Penalty for breach of rule -  The General Penalty

unless it is a serious breach and the penalty is then - Disqualification.

Details of how to proceed are covered by Rule 14.7a.

 

Local Rule No. 14

Artificial Tee Mats

Where present, tee mats comprise the teeing area.  When starting a hole from a tee mat the player must stand on and play a ball from the mat.

Penalty for breach of rule - The General Penalty