TEMPORARY LOCAL RULES

Effective From: 14th October 2023 (Preferred Lies) / 2nd November (Cleaning Ball) until 30th April 2023 (or later)

This page contains a list of Temporary Local Rules that are currently in place due to specific course conditions or other temporary factors. These rules will be regularly reviewed and updated as and when appropriate. Please also be aware of the following permanent rules: 16.3: Embedded Ball, 16.1: Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions), and 19: Unplayable Ball.

The Local Rules page displays a full list of the existing Local Rules that apply at all times.

PREFERRED LIES

Preferred Lies - Model Local Rule E-3 ( https://www.randa.org/en/rog/committee-procedures/8#8e_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: The relief area is up to 6 inches (150 mm) 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. 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.

Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty ( Matchplay: loss of hole, Strokeplay: two stroke penalty ) under Rule 14.7a.

Note: When lifting a ball it is recommended that a player marks the position of the ball to establish a fixed reference point.

CLEANING BALL

Cleaning Ball - Model Local Rule E-2 ( https://www.randa.org/en/rog/committee-procedures/8#8e_e-2)

When a player's ball lies in the general area the ball may be lifted, cleaned and replaced without penalty. The player must mark the spot of the ball before lifting it (see Rule 14.1) and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (see Rule 14.2).

Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty ( Matchplay: loss of hole, Strokeplay: two stroke penalty ) under Rule 14.7a.

Note: This rule applies to the General Area only (i.e. not in bunkers or Penalty Areas where the ball must be played as it lies (cannot be cleaned) or the player may proceed under the normal penalty options).