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Select the Local Rules that you want to apply by ticking the the specific Local Rule from the list below. When you have selected all of the Local Rules that you need, click on the 'My Rules File' icon on the right hand side. Suggested shorter forms of Local Rules are provided in some instances to help you fit them onto the likes of a scorecard. However, it is recommended that you make the full text available for golfers on a notice board and /or website.
A
Out of Bounds and Course Boundaries
A-1
Common Ways of Defining Boundaries and Boundary Edges

Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2)

[Describe any particular aspects of the boundaries of your course that need to be noted that are not otherwise covered by Model Local Rules A-2 to A-5 below. The following are just some examples - delete, amend or add as required:]
  • [Out of bounds is defined by (insert methods of defining out of bounds, for example, white stakes, lines and fences).]
  • [The boundary to the left of (specify hole number) is defined by the course-side edge of the white paint (lines | dots) (specify location, such as the pavement).]
  • [The maintenance area between (specify hole numbers) is out of bounds as defined by the fence surrounding the area.]
A-2
Clarifying Boundary When Using Wall, Road or Other Objects
The course-side edge of [identify object, for example, any wall or any road] defines the boundary of the course.
A ball is out of bounds when it is beyond [identify object, for example, any wall or any road] defining the boundary of the course.
The boundary on [specify hole number] is defined by [insert description of object or feature].
A-3
Boundary Fence to be Treated in a Different Way
A ball is out of bounds when it is beyond the fence [specify hole number] at ground level (excluding angled supports).
A-4
Internal Out of Bounds
During play of [specify hole number], the [specify location or side] of the hole, defined by [insert description of method of defining out of bounds, for example, white stakes], is out of bounds. These [insert objects used to define out of bounds, for example, stakes] are boundary objects during the play of [specify hole number]. For all other holes, they are [immovable | movable] obstructions.
A-5
Out of Bounds When Public Road Runs Through Course
A ball coming to rest on or beyond the road [identify the road or the holes where it comes into play] is out of bounds, even if it comes to rest on another part of the course that is in bounds for other holes.
A-6
Stakes Showing Out of Bounds
Where a boundary is defined by [identify boundary, for example, a white line painted on the ground], white stakes with black tops have been placed for visibility. These stakes are [immovable | movable] obstructions.
B
Penalty Areas
B-1
Defining Penalty Areas

Penalty Areas (Rule 17)

[Describe any unusual aspects of the marking of penalty areas on your course that need to be noted in addition to those covered by Model Local Rules B-2 to B-5 below. The following are just some examples - delete, amend or add as required.]
  • [When playing the (specify hole number) the yellow penalty area on (specify other hole number) is to be played as a red penalty area.]
  • [The yellow penalty area on (specify hole number) is to be played as a red penalty area when playing all other holes.]
  • [The red penalty area on (specify hole number) extends to and coincides with the out of bounds edge.]
  • [The red penalty area on (specify hole number) defined on only one side extends to infinity.]
  • [All desert areas are red penalty areas and the edge of the penalty area is where the grass and desert meet.]
  • [All areas of lava are red penalty areas.]
  • [Where an artificial wall surrounds the edge of a lake or other body of water, the penalty area is defined by the outside edge of the wall.]
B-2
Relief on Opposite Side of Red Penalty Area
If a player's ball is in a penalty area, including when it is known or virtually certain to be in a penalty area even though not found, the player may take relief using one of the options under Rule 17.1d, each for one penalty stroke. Or, if the ball last crossed the edge of the red penalty area on [specify hole number and location], as an extra relief option for one penalty stroke, the player may drop the original ball or another ball on the opposite side of the penalty area:
  • Reference Point: The estimated point on the opposite edge of the penalty area that is the same distance from the hole as the estimated point where the original ball last crossed the edge of the red penalty area. Such that a straight line between these two estimated points does not cross outside the penalty area.
  • Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: Two club-lengths, but with these limits:
  • Limits on Location of Relief Area:
    • Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
    • May be in any area of the course except the same penalty area, but
    • If more than one area of the course is located within two club-lengths of the reference point, the ball must come to rest in the relief area in the same area of the course that the ball first touches when dropped in the relief area.
If a player's ball is in a penalty area, including when it is known or virtually certain to be in a penalty area even though not found, the player may take relief using one of the options under Rule 17.1d, each for one penalty stroke. Or, if the ball last crossed the edge of a red penalty area that coincides with a boundary of the course, as an extra relief option for one penalty stroke, the player may drop the original ball or another ball on the opposite side of the penalty area:
  • Reference Point: The estimated point on the opposite edge of the penalty area that is the same distance from the hole as the estimated point where the original ball last crossed the edge of the red penalty area. Such that a straight line between these two estimated points does not cross outside the penalty area.
  • Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: Two club-lengths, but with these limits:
  • Limits on Location of Relief Area:
    • Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
    • May be in any area of the course except the same penalty area, but
    • If more than one area of the course is located within two club-lengths of the reference point, the ball must come to rest in the relief area in the same area of the course that the ball first touches when dropped in the relief area.
When a ball last crossed the edge of the red penalty area on [specify hole number(s) and location], as an extra relief option for one penalty stroke, the player may drop a ball on the opposite edge of the penalty area. See Model Local Rule B-2.1 for details of where to drop.
When a ball last crossed the edge of a red penalty area where the edge of the red penalty area and a boundary of the course coincide, opposite side relief is available under Model Local Rule B-2.1.
B-3
Provisional Ball for Ball in a Penalty Area
If a player does not know whether their ball is in the penalty area [identify location], the player may play a provisional ball under Rule 18.3, which is modified in this way: In playing the provisional ball, the player may use the stroke-and-distance relief option (see Rule 17.1d(1)), the back-on-the-line relief option (see Rule 17.1d(2)) or, if it is a red penalty area, the lateral relief option (see Rule 17.1d(3)). If a dropping zone is available for this penalty area (see Model Local Rule E-1), the player may also use that relief option. Once the player has played a provisional ball under this Local Rule, they may not use any further options under Rule 17.1 in relation to the original ball. In deciding when that provisional ball becomes the player's ball in play or if it must or may be abandoned, Rule 18.3c(2) and 18.3c(3) apply except that:
  • When Original Ball Is Found in Penalty Area Within Three-Minute Search Time. The player may choose either to:
    • Continue to play the original ball as it lies in the penalty area, in which case the provisional ball must not be played. All strokes with that provisional ball before it was abandoned (including strokes made and any penalty strokes solely from playing that ball) do not count, or
    • Continue to play the provisional ball  in which case the original ball must not be played.
  • When Original Ball Is Not Found Within Three-Minute Search Time or Is Known or Virtually Certain to Be in Penalty Area. The provisional ball becomes the player's ball in play.
If a player does not know whether their ball is in the penalty area [identify location], the player may play a provisional ball using any of the following relief options: stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line or, if it is a red penalty area, the lateral relief option (see Rule 17.1d) [or using the dropping zone available for this penalty area (delete if not available)]. See Model Local Rule B-3 for full details of the Local Rule.
B-4
Defining Open Watercourse as Part of General Area
The [describe specific watercourse and location, for example, ditch at the 6th hole] is to be treated as part of the general area and not as a penalty area.
All [describe specific types of watercourses, such as concrete drainage ditches] are to be treated as part of the general area and not as a penalty area.
B-5
Special Relief When Penalty Area Next to Bunker
This Local Rule allows the use of a dropping zone as an extra relief option when:
  • A player’s ball is in the red penalty area [identify location], including when it is known or virtually certain to be in the penalty area even though not found, [and if applicable] 
  • [describe where the ball must cross the edge of the penalty area, such as between two specially marked stakes].
In that case, the player has these relief options, each for one penalty stroke:
  • The player may take relief under one of the options in Rule 17.1d, or
  • As an extra option, the player may drop the original ball or another ball in the nearest dropping zone to the point where the ball last crossed the edge of the red penalty area and that is not nearer the hole than that point. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.
As an extra relief option for the penalty area [identify location of penalty area] adding one penalty stroke, a player may drop a ball in the dropping zone [describe how the dropping zone is defined and where located]. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.
C
Bunkers
C-1
Clarifying Edge of Bunker
[Describe any unusual aspects of the marking of bunkers on your course that need to be noted that are not otherwise covered by Model Local Rules C-2 to C-4 below. The following are just some examples - delete, amend or add as required]:
  • [The edge of the bunker (specify location and hole number, for example, the left of the 15th green) is defined by the outside edge of the (insert colour) stakes at ground level, and the stakes themselves are inside the bunker. The stakes are movable obstructions.]
  • [The edge of the bunker (specify location and hole number) is defined by the (identify colour) line painted in the sand.]
  • [The edge of the bunker to the right of (specify location and hole number) is defined by the groove that has been dug into the sand.]
  • [Any areas of sand that have been prepared (for example, raked) are considered to be a part of a bunker.]
C-2
Changing Status of Areas of Sand
The prepared area[s] of sand [detail holes or locations] are part of the general area and are not bunkers.
The non-prepared area[s] of sand [detail holes or locations] are bunkers and not part of the general area.
C-3
Clarifying Status of Material Similar to Sand when Material is not in a Bunker
The [identify material such as crushed shell or lava dust] used to fill bunkers is treated as sand both when in a bunker and everywhere else on the course. This means that these materials are not loose impediments. A player must not improve the conditions affecting the stroke by removing these materials, except when they are on the putting green (see Rule 13.1c(1)).
The [identify material such as crushed shell or lava dust] used to fill bunkers is treated as sand both when in a bunker and everywhere else on the course. See Rule 13.1c(1).
C-4
Declaring Practice Bunkers To Be Part of General Area
The practice bunker located [specify location] is ground under repair and is part of the general area. Free relief is available under Rule 16.1b.
D
Putting Greens
D-1
Clarifying Edge of Putting Green
The edges of putting greens are defined by [insert colour of lines | dots]. The dots/line are [on] [off] the putting green and free relief is not available from the dots/line.
D-2
Status of Putting Green When Temporary Putting Green Is Used
Temporary putting greens are used as putting greens on holes [insert hole numbers] as defined by [insert description, for example, the areas of fairway surrounded by white lines]. Any putting green that has been replaced by a temporary putting green is a wrong green and free relief from interference must be taken under Rule 13.1f.
D-3
Prohibiting Relief from Wrong Green When Only Stance Interference Exists
Rule 13.1f is modified in this way: Interference does not exist if a wrong green only interferes with the player’s stance.
Rule 13.1f is modified in this way: When a player’s ball lies on the putting green of [specify hole number], interference does not exist for the player’s stance on the putting green of [specify hole number] or the reverse.
D-4
Prohibiting Play From Fringe of Wrong Green
When playing [specify hole number], if the player must take relief under Rule 13.1f because their ball came to rest on the putting green of [specify hole number] or that putting green interferes with their stance or area of intended swing:
  • In finding the relief area to be used when taking this relief, the putting green of [specify hole number] is defined to include the area of fairway within [specify distance such as two club-lengths] from the edge of the putting green.
  • This means that the nearest point of complete relief must avoid interference from this area in addition to the putting green.
When taking wrong green relief from the [specify green number(s)], the wrong green is defined to include the area of fairway within [specify distance such as two club-lengths] from the edge of the putting green. This means when taking relief under Rule 13.1f, the nearest point of complete relief must avoid interference from this area in addition to the wrong green.
Wrong greens are treated as including [specify distance from edge of wrong green/area around wrong green]. When a player has interference from a wrong green under Rule 13.1f, including this expanded area, the player must take free relief. [Interference does not exist when the area only interferes with the player’s stance.]
D-5
Status of Practice Green or Temporary Green
The practice green located [insert details of where the green is located] is not a wrong green and free relief is not required or allowed under Rule 13.1f.
The temporary green located [insert details of where the green is located] is a wrong green even when not in use and relief must be taken under Rule 13.1f.
The practice green located [insert details of where the green is located] is not a wrong green and free relief is not required to be taken under Rule 13.1f, but it is ground under repair and a player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.
D-6
Dividing a Double Green into Two Separate Greens
The green serving holes [specify hole numbers] is considered to be two separate greens divided by [specify method such as coloured stakes]. A player who has interference with the portion of the green for the hole not being played is on a wrong green and must take relief under Rule 13.1f. [Interference does not exist when the wrong green only interferes with the player’s stance.]
E
Special or Required Relief Procedures
E-1
Dropping Zones
If a player’s ball is in the [identify colour if restricting use] penalty area [identify location], including when it is known or virtually certain to be in that penalty area even though not found, the player has these relief options, each for one penalty stroke:
  • The player may take relief under Rule 17.1, or
  • As an extra option, the player may drop the original ball or another ball in the dropping zone [describe how the dropping zone is defined and where located]. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.
If a player’s ball is in the ground under repair [identify location], including when it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in the ground under repair, the player has these relief options:
  • The player may take relief under Rule 16.1, or
  • As an extra option, the player may take free relief by dropping the original ball or another ball in the dropping zone [describe how the dropping zone is defined and where located]. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.
If a player’s ball is in the [identify colour if restricting use] penalty area [identify location], including when it is known or virtually certain to be in that penalty area even though not found, the player has these relief options, each for one penalty stroke:
  • The player may take stroke-and-distance relief under Rule 17.1d(1), or
  • The player may drop the original ball or another ball in the dropping zone [describe how the dropping zone is defined and where located]. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.
The player must not take relief under Rules 17.1d(2) or 17.1d(3).
As an extra relief option for the penalty area [identify location of penalty area] adding one penalty stroke, a player may drop a ball in the dropping zone [describe how the dropping zone is defined and where located]. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.
As an extra relief option for the ground under repair [identify location of ground under repair], a player may drop a ball in the dropping zone [describe how the dropping zone is defined and where located]. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.
The dropping zone [describe how the dropping zone is defined and where it is located] for the penalty area [identify location of penalty area], it is the only relief option available under penalty of one stroke in addition to stroke and distance relief. The dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.
E-2
Cleaning Ball
When a player’s ball lies in [identify area, such as the general area, at the 6th hole, in the general area cut to fairway height or less, etc.], 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).
When a player’s ball lies in [identify area, such as the general area, at the 6th hole, in the general area cut to fairway height or less, etc.], the ball may be marked, lifted cleaned and replaced without penalty.
E-3
Preferred Lies
When any part of a player's ball touches part of the general area cut to fairway height or less [or identify a specific area such as on the fairway of the 6th hole], 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: [Specify size of relief area, such as one club-length, one scorecard length or 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. 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.
When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less [or identify a specific area such as on the fairway of the 6th hole], the player may prefer the lie within [specify size of relief area, such as one club-length, one scorecard length or 6 inches]. See Model Local Rule E-3 for details of how this must be done.
E-4
Relief from Aeration Holes
If a player’s ball lies in or touches an aeration hole: (a) Ball in General Area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. 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. But interference does not exist if the aeration hole only interferes with the player’s stance or area of intended swing or, on the putting green, on the player’s line of play.
If a player’s ball lies in or touches an aeration hole [identify area, such as the general area, or on the putting green], relief may be taken under Rule 16.1. See Model Local Rule E-4 for further details.
E-5
Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds
When a player's ball has not been found or is known or virtually certain to be out of bounds, the player may proceed as follows rather than proceeding under stroke and distance. For two penalty strokes, the player may take relief by dropping the original ball or another ball in this relief area (see Rule 14.3): Two Estimated Reference Points: (a) Ball Reference Point: The point where the original ball is estimated to have:
  • Come to rest on the course, or
  • Last crossed the edge of the course boundary to go out of bounds.
(b) Fairway Reference Point: The point of fairway of the hole being played that is nearest to the ball reference point, but is not nearer the hole than the ball reference point. For purposes of this Local Rule, "fairway" means any part of the general area cut to fairway height or less. If a ball is estimated to be lost on the course or last crossed the edge of the course boundary short of the fairway, the fairway reference point may be a grass path or a teeing ground for the hole being played cut to fairway height or less. Size of Relief Area Based on Reference Points: Anywhere between:
  • A line from the hole through the ball reference point (and within two club-lengths to the outside of that line), and
  • A line from the hole through the fairway reference point (and within two club-lengths to the fairway side of that line).
But with these limits: Limits on Location of Relief Area:
  • Must be in the general area, and
  • Must not be nearer the hole than the ball reference point.
Once the player puts a ball in play under this Local Rule:
  • The original ball is no longer in play and must not be played.
  • This is true even if the ball is found on the course before the end of the three-minute search time (see Rule 6.3b).
But the player may not use this option to take relief for the original ball when:
  • That ball is known or virtually certain to have come to rest in a penalty area, or
  • The player has played another ball provisionally under penalty of stroke and distance (see Rule 18.3).
A player may use this option to take relief for a provisional ball that has not been found or is known or virtually certain to be out of bounds.
When a player’s ball has not been found or is known or virtually certain to be out of bounds [or identify which holes this applies to], the player may proceed under the Stroke and Distance Local Rule for a penalty of two strokes, rather than proceeding under stroke and distance. This Local Rule is not available if a provisional ball has been played. See Model Local Rule E-5 for full details of the Local Rule.
E-6
Line of Play Relief for Protective Fence
During play of the [specify hole number], if the protective fence on the [specify hole number] is on a player’s line of play the player may take free relief by dropping a ball in and playing it from the dropping zone [describe location]. But this relief is only allowed if the ball is in play nearer the hole than where the dropping zone is located (see Rule 14.3).
During play of the [specify hole number], if the protective fence [describe the location] is on a player’s line of play, the player may take free relief by dropping a ball in and playing it from the dropping zone [describe location].
E-7
Relief from Electric Boundary Fence
If a player’s ball lies on the course and within [specify distance, such as two club-lengths] of the electric boundary fence on hole[s] [specify location(s)], the player may take free relief using the procedure in Rule 16.1, but based on this reference point:
  • The point that is [specify distance, such as two club-lengths] from the fence and an equal distance from the hole to the spot of the original ball.
E-8
Defining No Play Zones
The area defined by [specify how the area is marked, for example, with blue stakes with green tops] [specify where it is located, for example, on the right of the fairway on hole 8] is a no play zone that is treated as an abnormal course condition. Relief must be taken from interference by the no play zone under Rule 16.1f.
The area within the [red /yellow] penalty area defined by [specify how the area is marked and where it is located, for example, with red / yellow stakes with green tops on the right of hole 8] is a no play zone that is treated as a penalty area and relief must be taken from interference by the no play zone under Rule 17.1e.
E-9
Defining An Area of Out of Bounds as a No Play Zone
The [identify the area] is out of bounds and is defined as a no play zone and the player must take relief under Rule 16.1f(2) if their ball is on the course and anything in the no play zone interferes with the player’s area of intended stance or swing. The player must not play the ball as it lies.
The area defined by [specify how the area is marked, for example, with green stakes specify where it is located, e.g. on the right of the fairway on hole 8] is a no play zone that is to be treated as an abnormal course condition. Free relief must be taken from interference by the no play zone under Rule 16.1f.
E-10
Protection of Young Trees
The young trees identified by [identify markings] are no play zones:
  • If a player’s ball lies anywhere on the course other than in a penalty area and it lies on or touches such a tree or such a tree interferes with the player’s area of intended stance or area of intended swing, the player must take relief under Rule 16.1f.
  • If the ball lies in a penalty area, and interference to the player’s stance or area of intended swing exists from such a tree, the player must take relief under Rule 17.1e.
The young trees identified by [identify markings] are abnormal course conditions. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1.
E-11
Ball Deflected by Power Line
If it is known or virtually certain that a player’s ball hit [describe the structure, for example, a power line, tower, wire or pole supporting a power line] during the play of [specify hole number], the player must replay the stroke by playing the original ball or another ball from the spot where that stroke was made (see Rule 14.6). If the player replays the stroke but does so from a wrong place, they get the general penalty under Rule 14.7. If the player does not replay the stroke, they get the general penalty and the stroke counts, but the player has not played from a wrong place.
Model Local Rule E-11 is in effect for a ball that hits a power line or tower [or a wire or pole supporting a power line] (stroke must be replayed).
E-12
Compulsory Use of Fairway Mats
When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less and a putter is not being used for the stroke, the player must take free relief by lifting the original ball and placing the original ball or another ball on an artificial mat and play it from there. The mat must be placed on top of the spot where the ball came to rest. If a ball when placed rolls off the mat, the player must try to place it a second time. If the ball again does not stay on the mat, the mat must be moved to the nearest spot, not nearer the hole, where the ball will come to rest on the mat when placed. If the ball on the mat is accidentally moved before a stroke is made, there is no penalty and the ball must be placed again on the mat. If a tee is used to secure the mat into the ground, the ball must not be placed on the tee.
When a ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less and a putter is not being used for the stroke, the player must place a ball on an artificial mat. The mat must be placed on top of the spot where the ball came to rest.
F
Abnormal Course Conditions and Integral Objects
F-1
Defining Abnormal Course Conditions and Integral Objects
Abnormal Course Conditions (including Immovable Obstructions) (Rule 16) [Describe abnormal course conditions and integral objects on your course that need to be noted that are not otherwise covered by Model Local Rules F-2 to F-26 below. The following are just some examples - delete, amend or add as required.]
  • [Ground under repair is defined by any area encircled by a white line (or insert other colour or description as appropriate).]
  • [Ground under repair includes exposed rocks in areas cut to fairway height or less (or within a stated distance of the fairway, such as two club-lengths).]
  • [Areas in bunkers where sand has been removed by the movement of water resulting in deep furrows through the sand are ground under repair.]
  • [Mats that are secured and plastic cable ramps that are covering cables are immovable obstructions.]
  • [Protective fences around greens are immovable obstructions.]
  • [The rails on split rail fences are (movable or immovable) obstructions.]
Integral Objects
  • [Retaining artificial walls and pilings when located in penalty areas are integral objects.]
  • [Wires and other objects (closely) attached to trees are integral objects.]
F-2
Limited Relief for Embedded Ball
Rule 16.3 is modified in this way: Free relief is allowed only when a ball is embedded in part of the general area that is cut to fairway height or less. [Stacked turf faces above bunkers are not cut to fairway height or less for the purpose of this Rule.]
Rule 16.3 is modified in this way: Free relief is not allowed when a ball is embedded in [stacked turf faces /soil faces (delete as required)] above bunkers.
F-3
Ground Under Repair Treated as Part of Nearby Obstruction
Where white-lined areas of ground under repair are tied into [artificially surfaced road or path or other identified obstruction], they are treated as a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1.
Where areas of damaged ground are right next to [artificially surfaced road or path or other identified obstruction] they are treated as a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1.
Where a [describe area, such as decorative planted areas] is surrounded by an artificially surfaced road or path (including everything growing within that area), they are treated as a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1.
F-4
Extensive Damage Due to Heavy Rain and Traffic
Ground under repair may include areas of unusual damage, including areas where spectators or other traffic have combined with wet conditions to alter the ground surface materially, but only when so declared by an authorized referee or member of the Committee.
F-5
Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Greens
Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1. The player has an extra option to take relief when such immovable obstructions are on or 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:
    • On or within two club-lengths of the putting green, and
    • Within two club-lengths of the ball.
But complete relief must be taken, which includes both physical and line of play interference. Exception – No Relief If Line of Play Clearly Unreasonable. There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.
Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1. The player has an extra option to take relief when such immovable obstructions are on or close to the putting green and on the line of play. This Local Rule only applies when both the ball and the obstruction are in part of the general area cut to fairway height or less. 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:
    • On or within two club-lengths of the putting green, and
    • Within two club-lengths of the ball.
But complete relief must be taken, which includes both physical and line of play interference. Exception – No Relief If Line of Play Clearly Unreasonable. There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable. 
Immovable obstructions close to putting green: In addition to the types of interference described in Rule 16.1a, when a ball lies in the general area, interference also exists if an immovable obstruction is: on the player’s line of play, is within two club-lengths of the putting green, and is within two club-lengths of the ball.  The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. (Exception – There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.)
F-6
Prohibiting Relief from Abnormal Course Condition When Only Stance Interference Exists
Rule 16.1a(1) is modified in this way: Relief is not allowed if [insert condition from which relief is restricted] only interferes with the player’s stance.
F-7
Relief from Seams of Cut Turf
If a player’s ball lies in or touches a seam of cut turf or a seam interferes with the player’s area of intended swing: (a) Ball in General Area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. (b) Ball on Putting Green. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1d. But interference does not exist if the seam only interferes with the player’s stance. All seams within the area of cut turf are treated as the same seam in taking relief. This means that if a player has interference from any seam after dropping the ball, the player must proceed as required under Rule 14.3c(2) even when the ball is still within one club-length of the reference point.
Seams of cut turf; Model Local Rule F-7 is in effect.
F-8
Relief from Cracks in Ground
Cracks in the ground [specify areas of the course, such as in parts of the general area cut to fairway height or less] are ground under repair. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. [But relief is not allowed if the crack only interferes with the player’s stance.]
F-9
Relief from Tree Roots in or Close to Fairway
If a player’s ball lies in the general area and there is interference from exposed tree roots that are [specify area of the course, such as in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less or in the rough within a certain number of club-lengths from the edge of the area cut to fairway height or less], the tree roots are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b. [But relief is not allowed if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance. (Delete if not required.)]
If a player's ball in the fairway has interference from tree roots in the fairway, free relief is available under Rule 16.1b. [But interference does not exist if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance. (Delete if not required.)]
F-10
Damage by Animals
Areas of damage in [specify the areas of the course, such as, the general area] caused by [type of animal] are treated as ground under repair from which relief is allowed under Rule 16.1b. [But relief is not allowed if the damage only interferes with the player’s stance.(Delete if not required.)]
F-11
Ant Hills
[Describe the types of ant hills] ant hills on the course are, at the player’s option, loose impediments that may be removed under Rule 15.1 or ground under repair from which relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.
F-12
Animal Dung
At the player’s option, dung from [specify dung from which relief would be given, for example, goose dung, dog dung] may be treated either as:
  • A loose impediment that may be removed under Rule 15.1, or 
  • Ground under repair from which relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.
[If dung is found on the putting green, the player may also use the greens switch/whip located by the putting greens to remove the dung from the line of play. If doing so improves the line of play or other conditions affecting the stroke, there is no penalty under Rule 8.1a. (Delete if not required.)]
F-13
Animal Hoof Damage
Damage that is caused by animal hoofs is ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.
[But on the putting green, Rule 16.1 does not apply and such damage may be repaired under Rule 13.1. (Delete if not required.)]
F-14
Accumulations of Loose Impediments
During play of the [specify hole number], any ground with temporary accumulations of [identify types of loose impediments] in the general area or in a bunker is treated as ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.
F-15
Mushrooms on Putting Green
Mushrooms that are attached on the putting green are ground under repair  from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1d.
F-16
Bunker Filled with Temporary Water
The bunker filled with temporary water on [insert location of bunker, for example, left of 5th green] is ground under repair in the general area. It is not treated as a bunker during the round. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b. All other bunkers on the course, whether they contain temporary water or not, are still bunkers for all purposes under the Rules.
F-17
All Roads and Paths Treated as Obstructions
All roads and paths on the course [or identify particular types or locations], even if not artificially-surfaced, are treated as immovable obstructions from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.
F-18
Treating Movable Objects to Be Immovable
All stakes [or identify the movable obstructions that are to be considered immovable] on the course are treated as immovable obstructions from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. Relief is not allowed to be taken under Rule 15.2.
F-19
Edging Grooves Near Putting Greens
The edging grooves around the aprons or fringes of putting greens are ground under repair. If a player’s ball lies in or touches a groove or a groove interferes with the area of intended swing: (a) Ball in General Area. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b. (b) Ball on (including touching) the Putting Green. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1d. But interference does not exist if the edging groove only interferes with the line of play or with the player’s stance.
Edging grooves around putting greens are ground under repair but relief is only available if a ball lies in or touches a groove or a groove interferes with the area of intended swing.
F-20
Concrete Drainage Channels
Drainage channels that are made of artificial materials and run next to cart paths are treated as immovable obstructions in the general area and are part of the cart path. A player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.
F-21
Painted Lines or Dots
Painted lines or dots on the putting green or in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less are to be treated as ground under repair from which relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. But interference does not exist if painted lines or dots only interfere with the player’s stance.
Free relief is not allowed from painted lines or dots [describe area, for example, in areas where the grass is not cut to fairway height or less].
F-22
Temporary Lines and Cables
Temporary lines and cables for power and communications (and mats covering or poles supporting them) are obstructions:
  1. If they can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction or the course, they are movable obstructions and a player may remove them without penalty under Rule 15.2.
  2. Otherwise they are immovable obstructions from which the player may take relief as follows:
(a) Ball in General Area or in Bunker. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1. (b) Ball in Penalty Area. Rule 16.1b is modified to allow the player the extra option to take free relief from interference by these immovable obstructions in a penalty area by dropping a ball and playing it from this relief area:
  • Reference Point: The nearest point of complete relief  in the penalty area.
  • Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: One club-length, but with these limits:
  • Limits on Location of Relief Area:
    • Must be in the penalty area in which the ball came to rest,
    • Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
    • There must be complete relief from all interference by the immovable obstruction.
3. If it is known or virtually certain that a player’s ball hits a temporary elevated line or cable, the player must replay the stroke by playing the original ball or another ball from the spot where that stroke was made (see Rule 14.6). If the player replays the stroke but does so from a wrong place, they get the general penalty under Rule 14.7. If the player does not replay the stroke, they get the general penalty and the stroke counts, but the player has not played from a wrong place. 4. Grass-covered trenches for temporary lines or cables in the general area are ground under repair, even if not marked. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1. But there are two exceptions:
  • Exception 1 - Ball Strikes Elevated Cable That Rises from Ground: If a ball hits an elevated section of cable rising from the ground, the stroke counts, and the ball must be played as it lies.
  • Exception 2 - Ball Strikes Wires Supporting Temporary Immovable Obstruction: Guy wires supporting a temporary immovable obstruction (TIO) are part of the TIO and are not covered by this Local Rule, unless the Committee states that the guy wires are to be treated as temporary elevated lines or cables under this Local Rule.
Temporary Lines and Cables; Model Local Rule F-22 is in effect.
F-23
Temporary Immovable Obstructions