Local Rules and Clarifications

The USGA Rules of Golf shall govern play except as modified below.

Terms in red Italics are Definitions and studying them in the Rules of Golf can immediately resolve many questions.   https://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-clarifications/rules-and-clarifications.html#!ruletype=fr&section=rule&rulenum=1

 

Sprinkler Head Relief

The purpose of this Local Rule is to give relief in the event that sprinkler head(s) near the green interfere with a reasonable Stroke made near the Putting Green.  For example, in the case where a player may want to use a putter from the fringe and sprinkler head(s) are in player’s intended line of play.  For this Local Rule to be applicable, three conditions must be met:

  • The sprinkler head(s) must be within two club lengths of the Putting Green
  • The player’s ball must be within two club lengths of the sprinkler head(s), and
  • The player’s ball must be in a closely mown area to fairway height or less

Relief Procedure – Find the nearest point that offers complete relief for line of play not nearer the hole.  Drop within club length not nearer the hole and not onto the Putting Green (ball must stay in the General Area).  Free relief – no penalty.   Model Local Rule F-5.2

 

Provisional Ball When Ball May Be in a Penalty Area

Normally, a Provisional Ball can only be played if it is believed the original ball may be Lost or Out of Bounds.  However, to speed up play you may play a Provisional Ball if you believe your ball may be in a red or yellow Penalty Area.  If, after a three minute search and the original ball cannot be found, the Provisional Ball can become the ball in play under the  Stroke and Distance penalty (effectively adding two strokes to the player’s score) … or abandon the Provisional Ball and under penalty of one stroke …

Draw a straight line from the Hole to the point where the ball last crossed the boundary of the Penalty Area and drop another ball on that line as far back as the player desires … or

If it is a red Penalty Area, drop within two club lengths of where the ball last crossed the boundary of the Penalty Area and not nearer the Hole.      Model Local Rule B-3

 

Bunker Wash Out

The areas where sand has washed out of Bunkers onto the General Area (i.e. the fairway bunkers on the left side of Hole #2), whether marked or not, will be considered as Ground Under Repair and free relief is allowed.  Find the nearest point not nearer the Hole where the wash out does not interfere with the player’s stance or swing and take relief within one club length not nearer the Hole.  No Penalty.     Model Local Rule 8C-1

 

Internal Out of Bounds

The white stakes with red tips on the right side and beyond the pond on Hole #6 are Out of Bounds.  The same stakes for Hole #7 define a Penalty Area.     Model Local Rule A-4

 

Drop Zones on Holes #6 and #12

A tee shot on Holes #6 and #12 ending up in a Penalty Area (water) must take relief by:

  • Drawing a straight line from the Hole to the point where the ball last crossed the boundary of the Penalty Area and drop another ball on that line as far back as the player desires (penalty of one stroke) … or
  • Drop a ball within two club lengths of where the ball last crossed the boundary of the Penalty Area and no closer to the Hole (penalty of one stroke) … or
  • Play another tee shot under penalty of Stroke and Distance (add two strokes)

However, a second shot from the General Area and any subsequent shots may take relief by utilizing the Drop Zone as defined by a white circle.    Model  Local Rule E-1.1

 

Rocks and Rock Wall Relief

Any rocks or rock walls that are not Out of Bounds markers or not inside of a Penalty Area are immovable obstructions.  A player is entitled to free relief by finding the nearest point of complete relief that does not interfere with the player’s stance or swing.  Drop the ball not nearer the Hole and within one club length of the reference point of complete relief.  No Penalty.       Model Local Rule F-1

 

Weather Contingences

 

During the course of a Round, should conditions warrant the Suspension of Play, one long blast of an air horn will signal to immediately cease play in position.  No further strokes may be played.  Players are to mark their balls and, if directed by the Committee, seek shelter immediately.  Resumption of Play will be indicated by two blasts of an air horn or as directed by the Committee. If matches can't be completed, holes not played will be halved.     Penalty: Disqualification  Model Local Rule 8J-1

 

Restricting the Use of Audio and Video Devices

 

While the Rules of Golf allow for the use of audio and video devices (non-instructional), it may be distracting to other players.  If a player requests that a device be turned down or silenced, failure to do so may result in a penalty.

            First Breach – Warning

            Second Breach – One Stroke Penalty

            Third Breach – Two Stroke Penalty

            Fourth Breach – Serious Breach (Disqualification and referral to BOD for action)

                      Model Local Rule G-8

 

 

To develop a better understanding of the Basic Rules, the Colorado Golf Association has produced an excellent series that can be found at  https://www.coloradogolf.org/rules-videos-2/

Club Members who are familiar with the Rules are encouraged by the Committee to gently inform newer Members of some of the common Rules at appropriate times so that we can all enjoy this great game on the same playing field.