Appendix C: Local Rules

The following Local Rules, together with any additions or amendments as published by The R&A at the golf course, will apply to all Championships and International Matches run by The R&A.

1. Out of Bounds (Rule 27-1)
   (a) Beyond any wall, fence or line of white stakes defining the boundary of the course.
   (b) On or beyond any white line defining the boundary of the course. A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies on or over such a line.
   (c) In or beyond any ditch defining the boundary of the course.
   Note: Where out of bounds is defined by white stakes or fence posts (excluding angled supports), the line joining the nearest inside points at ground level of such stakes or posts defines the boundary. A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies over such a line.
    
2. Water Hazards (including Lateral Water Hazards) (Rule 26)
   Water hazards are defined by yellow stakes or yellow lines. Lateral water hazards are defined by red stakes or red lines.
   Note: Dropping Zones for Water Hazards:
   Where there are dropping zones for water hazards, a ball may be played under Rule 26 or a ball may be dropped in the dropping zone nearest to where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard under penalty of one stroke.
   For provisions relating to dropping or re-dropping a ball in a dropping zone, see the Note on pages 139-140 in the Rules of Golf.
    
3. Ground Under Repair (Rule 25-1)
   (a) Any area encircled by a white line.
   (b) Any area of damaged ground (e.g. caused by crowd or vehicle movement) that is considered by a Rules official to be abnormal.
   (c) Grass covered cable trenches.
   (d) French drains (stone-filled drainage ditches).
   (e) Seams of cut turf; the specimen Local Rule in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see page 134.
   (f) Relief is available from interference to the lie of the ball or the area of intended swing from painted yardage markings situated in any closely-mown area through the green.
    
4. Immovable Obstructions (Rule 24-2)
   (a) White lined areas adjoining any areas defined as immovable obstructions are to be regarded as part of the obstruction and not ground under repair.
   (b) Landscaped garden areas surrounded by an obstruction are part of that obstruction.
   (c) Secured mats and plastic cable ramps that are covering cables are immovable obstructions.
    
5. Integral Parts of the Course
   (a) Any cables or advertising boards closely attached to an object defining the boundary of the course.
   (b) Wires, cables, wrappings or other objects where they are closely attached to trees or other permanent objects.
   (c) Retaining artificial walls and pilings when located in water hazards.
    
6. Stones in Bunkers
   Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies).
    
7. Turf Plugs on Putting Greens
   On any putting green, turf plugs of any size have the same status as old hole plugs and may be repaired under Rule 16-1c.
    
8. Bunker Faces
   The face of a bunker that consists of stacked turf is deemed not to be a “closely-mown area” (Rule 25-2).
    
9. Temporary Immovable Obstructions
   The specimen Local Rule in the Rules of Golf, with any additions or amendments in the additional Local Rules published by The R&A, is in effect – see pages 135-138.
    
10. Temporary Power Lines or Cables
    The specimen Local Rule in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see pages 138-139.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULES:
Match Play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes

CONDITIONS OF COMPETITION
 
The following Conditions, together with any additions or amendments as published by The R&A on the relevant entry form or at the golf course, will apply under Rule 33-1 to all Championships and International Matches run by The R&A.

1. Eligibility
   Players must meet the eligibility provisions established in the entry form for the specific
   Championship.
    
2. List of Conforming Driver Heads
   The specimen Condition in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see pages 141-142.
   Note: An updated List of Conforming Driver Heads is available on The R&A’s website (www.randa.org). This list is also available in the Championship Office.
    
3. List of Conforming Golf Balls
   The specimen Condition in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see page 142.
   Note: An updated List of Conforming Golf Balls is available on The R&A’s website (www.randa.org). This list is also available in the Championship Office.
    
4. Time of Starting (Note to Rule 6-3)
   The specimen Condition (i.e. the five-minute condition) in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see page 143.
    
5. Pace of Play (Note to Rule 6-7)
   (a) Time Allowed:
   Each hole has been given a maximum completion time based upon the length and difficulty of the hole. The maximum time allotted for the completion of 18 holes will be available prior to play.
   Definition of Out of Position:
   The first group and any group after a starter’s gap will be considered to be “out of position” if, at any time during the round, the group’s cumulative time exceeds the time allowed for the number of holes completed. Any following group will be considered “out of position” if it is more than the starting interval behind the group in front and has exceeded the time allowed for the number of holes played.
    
   (b) Procedure When Group is Out of Position:
    1. If a decision is taken to time the group, each player in the group will be subject to individual timing by a Rules official. Each player in the group will be advised that they are “out of position” and are being timed.
    2. The maximum time allocated per shot is 40 seconds. 10 extra seconds are allowed for the first player to play:
   - on a par three hole;
   - an approach shot; and
   - a chip or putt
   The timing will start when a player has had sufficient time to reach his ball, it is his turn to play and he is able to play without interference or distraction. On the putting green, timing will start when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to lift, clean and replace his ball, repair ball marks and move loose impediments on his line of putt. Time spent looking at the line from beyond the hole and/or behind the ball will count as part of the time taken for the next stroke.
    3. Timing ceases when a group is back in position and players will be advised accordingly.
    
   PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION:
   1 Bad Time: Player will be warned by the official and told that if he has a further bad time he will be penalised.
   2 Bad Times
    Stroke Play: Penalty of One Stroke
    Match Play: Loss of Hole
   3 Bad Times
    Stroke Play: Further Penalty of Two Strokes
    Match Play: Final Warning
   4 Bad Times: Disqualification
    
   (c) Procedure When Again Out of Position During Same Round:
   If a group is “out of position” more than once during a round, the above procedure will apply on each occasion. Bad times and the application of penalties in the same round will be carried forward until the round is completed. A player will not be penalised if he has a second bad time before being advised of his earlier bad time.
    
6. Suspension of Play Due to a Dangerous Situation (Note to Rule 6-8b)
   The specimen Condition in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see pages 144-145.
   Note: A suspension of play for a dangerous situation will be signalled by a prolonged note of a horn. All other suspensions will be signalled by three consecutive short notes of a horn repeated. In either case, resumption of play will be signalled by two short notes of a horn, repeated.
    
7. Practice (Rule 7-1)
   In stroke play, the provisions of Rule 7-1b apply. In match play, on any day of a competition, practice on the Championship course is prohibited before the player’s first match and between matches.
   PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION:
   Disqualification.
   Note: All recognised practice areas within the bounds of the course may be used by players for practice on any day of the competition.
   Exception: International Matches – refer to the Committee.
    
8. Advice in Team Competitions (Note to Rule 8)
   In accordance with the Note to Rule 8 of the Rules of Golf, each team may appoint one person (in addition to the persons from whom advice may be asked under that Rule) who may give advice to members of that team. Such person must be identified to the Committee before giving advice.
    
9. Transportation
   The specimen Condition in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see page 146.
    
10. Anti-Doping
    Players are required to comply with and be bound by any Anti-Doping Policy that is established for the Championship or Match in which they are competing, as detailed in the relevant entry form, any prior notice or at the golf course.
     
11. Returning of Score Card
    A player’s score card is deemed officially returned to the Committee when he has left the recording office/area.
     
12. Deciding Ties
    The method for deciding ties is provided on the relevant entry form or is published at the golf course by The R&A.
     
13. Results of Match or Championship – Competition Closed
    (a) Match Play
    The result of a match is deemed officially announced when it has been recorded in the Championship Office.
    (b) Stroke Play
    When the Championship trophy is presented to the winner, the results of the competition are deemed officially announced and the competition is closed.
    Exception: Qualifying competitions for The Open – refer to the Committee.