Local Rules
1. Out of bounds
a) Beyond any line of white stakes and/or white lines. Out of bounds is defined by the inside point at ground level of all white stakes and white lines. When two white stakes are located within 2 meters of each other the course boundary is deemed to extend to infinity in the direction of the stakes.
b) Beyond fences surrounding the golf course.
2. Preferred lies - Closely-mown area through the green
A ball lying on a closely-mown area through the green may be lifted without penalty and cleaned. Before lifting the ball, the player must mark its position. Having lifted the ball, he must place it on a spot within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than where it originally lay, that is not in a hazard and not on a putting green.
A player may place his ball only once, and it is in play when it has been placed (Rule 20-4). If the ball fails to come to rest on the spot on which it was placed, Rule 20-3d applies. If the ball when placed
comes to rest on the spot on which it is placed and it subsequently moves, there is no penalty and the ball must be played as it lies, unless the provisions of any other Rule apply.
If the player fails to mark the position of the ball before lifting it, moves the ball-marker prior to putting the ball back into play or moves the ball in any other manner, such as rolling it with a club, he
incurs a penalty of one stroke.
Note: “Closely-mown area” means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.
3. Ground under Repair
Any area surrounded by blue lines or blue stakes is ground under repair. Relief is available under Rule 25-1.
4. Stones in Bunkers
Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies).
5. Immovable obstructions
Immovable obstructions (Rule 24–2) include:
a) Solidly embedded stones in a closely-mown area through the green.
b) Distance markers.
c) Trash cans and golf ball washers.
6. Movable obstructions
Movable obstructions (Rule 24–1) include:
a) Small signs directing players to the next tee.
b) Beach flags.
c) Small sticks with robes near the greens
7. Unmarked Lateral Water Hazards
The following applies to lateral water hazards that are unmarked on one side:
a) To the right hand side of hole 3: The hazard extends to the course boundaries when playing hole 3.
b) To the right hand side of hole 6: The hazard extends indefinitely into the woods when playing hole 6.
c) To the right hand side of hole 8: The hazard extends to the course boundaries when playing hole 8.
d) To the right hand side of hole 9: The hazard extends indefinitely into the woods when playing hole 9.
e) To the right hand side of hole 12: The hazard extends indefinitely into the woods when playing hole 9.
f) To the left hand side of hole 15: The hazard extends to the red pins and the edge of the road when playing hole 15.
8. Ball accidentally moved on greens
When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.
The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.
This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.
Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced."
9. Distance-Measuring Devices
A player may obtain distance information by use of a distance-measuring device. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. elevation changes, wind speed, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULES: Two Strokes.
Course marking:
Blue stakes: Ground under repair
Yellow stakes: Water hazard
Red stakes: Lateral water hazard
White stakes: Out of bound
