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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.
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.]
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 ball is out of bounds when it is beyond the fence [specify hole number] at ground level (excluding angled supports).
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 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.
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.
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.]
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.
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.
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.
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].
- 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.
[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.]
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.]
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.
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.]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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).
- Must be in the general area, and
- Must not be nearer the hole than the ball reference point.
- 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).
- 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).
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.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.]
- [Retaining artificial walls and pilings when located in penalty areas are integral objects.]
- [Wires and other objects (closely) attached to trees are integral objects.]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.]
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.)]
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.)]
[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.
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.
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.)]
[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.)]
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.
Mushrooms that are attached on the putting green are ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1d.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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].
Temporary lines and cables for power and communications (and mats covering or poles supporting them) are obstructions:
- 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.
- Otherwise they are immovable obstructions from which the player may take relief as follows:
- 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.
- 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.
Definition of TIO: A temporary immovable obstruction (TIO) is a structure that is temporarily placed on or next to the course, usually for a particular competition, and is fixed or does not meet the definition of movable obstruction.
Examples of TIOs are temporary tents, scoreboards, grandstands, television towers and toilets.
TIOs include any supporting guy wires connected to them, except when the Committee decides the supporting guy wires are to be treated as immovable obstructions or as temporary elevated lines or cables using Model Local Rule F-22.
The outermost edge of the TIO is used in determining whether a ball is under the TIO or whether the TIO is on the player's line of sight between the ball and the hole.
Lines or stakes may be used to define the edges of a TIO or to connect multiple TIOs into a single, larger TIO.
A TIO is different from an immovable obstruction and this Local Rule provides additional relief from interference by a TIO. This means that the player can choose to take relief by using either:
- The procedure for taking relief from an abnormal course condition in Rule 16.1, as if the TIO were an immovable obstruction (this relief is also available when the ball lies in a penalty area or when the TIO is out of bounds), or
- The additional relief option available under this Local Rule.
- Physical interference,
- Line of sight interference, or
- Both physical and line of sight interference.
- The player's ball touches or lies in or on a TIO, or
- The TIO interferes with the player's area of intended stance or area of intended swing.
- The player's ball touches or lies in, on or under a TIO, or
- The TIO is on the player's line of sight to the hole (that is, the TIO is located on the straight line between the ball and the hole), or
- The ball is within one club-length, measured on an equidistant arc from the hole, of a spot where the TIO would be on the player's direct line of sight to the hole (this one club-length wide area is commonly referred to as the "corridor").
- From either physical interference or line of sight interference:
- There is no relief when playing the ball as it lies would be clearly unreasonable because of something from which the player is not allowed to take free relief (such as when the player is unable to make a stroke because of where the ball lies in a bush outside the TIO), and
- There is no relief when interference exists only because the player chooses a club, type of stance or swing or direction of play that is clearly unreasonable under the circumstances; and
- From line of sight interference:
- There is no relief when it is clearly unreasonable for a player to play the ball far enough that the ball will reach the TIO, and
- There is no relief when the player cannot show that there is a stroke that they could reasonably make that would both (a) have the TIO (including the corridor) on the line of that stroke, and (b) result in the ball finishing on a direct line to the hole.
- Reference Point: The nearest point of complete relief where both physical and line of sight interference no longer exist.
- Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: The entire area within one club-length from the reference point, but with these limits:
- Limits on Location of Relief Area:
- Must be in the general area,
- Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
- There must be complete relief from both physical and line of sight interference by the TIO.
- Reference Point: The nearest point of complete relief not nearer the hole where both physical and line of sight interference no longer exist that is outside that bunker or penalty area.
- Size of Relief Area from Reference Point: The entire area one club-length from the reference point, but with these limits:
- Limits on Location of Relief Area:
- Any area of the course other than in that bunker or penalty area or on the putting green,
- Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
- There must be complete relief from both physical and line of sight interference by the TIO.
- The player may take relief under this Local Rule by using the estimated point where the ball last crossed the edge of the TIO on the course as the spot of the ball for purposes of finding the nearest point of complete relief.
- Once the player puts another ball in play to take relief in this way:
- The original ball is no longer in play and must not be played.
- This is true even if it is then found on the course before the end of the three-minute search time (see Rule 6.3b).
- Choose to use the relief procedures in Rule 16.1 or
- Use this Local Rule.
- In the general area using the procedures in Rule 16.1b.
- In a bunker using the procedures in Rule 16.1c.
- In a penalty area using the procedures in Rule 16.1c as if the ball lies in a bunker.
- On the putting green using the procedures in Rule 16.1d.
Temporary Immovable Obstructions; Model Local Rule F-23 is in effect.
[Provide details of what is to be treated as a TIO and any specific aspects that apply, e.g. where either side relief is available, if there are any dropping zones in place for particular TIOs etc.]
Relief from interference by [specify which immovable obstruction(s)] located in the penalty area on [specify hole number] is allowed under Rule 16.1b, with the following modifications:
- Reference Point: The nearest point of complete relief must be 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.
Relief from interference by [specify which immovable obstruction(s)] located in the penalty area on [specify hole number] is allowed under Rule 16.1b, but the nearest point of relief must be in the penalty area and the ball must come to rest in the penalty area.
When taking relief under Rule 16.1, the nearest point of complete relief must be determined without crossing over, through or under the [specify abnormal course condition and hole number].
When taking relief from [specify abnormal course condition and hole number], the relief area must be on the same side of the abnormal course condition as the reference point.
All closed gates that are attached to boundary walls and fences are part of the boundary object. Relief is not allowed from such a gate under Rules 15.2 or 16.1.
But an open gate is not treated as part of the boundary object and may be closed or moved to a different position.
Any driver the player uses to make a stroke must have a clubhead, identified by model and loft, which is on the current List of Conforming Driver Heads issued by The R&A.
This list is regularly updated and is found at RandA.org.
Exception – Pre-1999 Driver Heads: A driver with a clubhead that was made before 1999 is exempt from this Local Rule.
Penalty for Making a Stroke with Club in Breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification.
There is no penalty under this Local Rule for carrying but not making a stroke with a driver that is not on the List of Conforming Driver Heads.
List of Conforming Driver Heads; Model Local Rule G-1 is in effect.
Penalty for making a stroke with a club in breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification.
In making a stroke, the player must use clubs that conform to the groove and punch mark specifications in the Equipment Rules that took effect on 1 January 2010.
An Equipment Database of fairway woods, hybrids, irons and wedges which have been tested for conformance to the current Equipment Rules is found at RandA.org.
Penalty for Making a Stroke with Club in Breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification.
There is no penalty under this Local Rule for carrying but not making a stroke with a club which does not conform to these groove and punch mark specifications.
Groove and Punch Mark Specifications; Model Local Rule G-2 is in effect.
Penalty for making a stroke with a club in breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification.
Any ball used in making a stroke must be on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by The R&A.
This list is regularly updated and is found at RandA.org.
If a ball that is not on the List of Conforming Golf Balls is dropped, replaced or placed but has not yet been played, the player may correct the mistake, without penalty, under Rule 14.5.
Penalty for Making a Stroke with a Ball Not on Current List in Breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification.
Conforming Balls List; Model Local Rule G-3 is in effect.
Penalty for making a stroke with a ball not on current list in breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification.
During a round, each ball at which the player makes a stroke must be the same brand and model as found in a single entry on the current List of Conforming Balls.
If a different brand and/or model is dropped, replaced or placed but has not yet been played, the player may correct the mistake, without penalty, under Rule 14.5. When correcting the mistake, the player must use a ball of the same brand and model as used at the start of the round.
If a player discovers they have played a ball in breach of this Local Rule, they must revert to using a ball of the same brand and model as used at the start of the round when they play from the next teeing area; otherwise the player is disqualified.
If the discovery is made during the play of a hole, the player may complete play of this hole with the ball played in breach or place a ball of the correct brand and model on the spot where the ball played in breach of this Local Rule was lifted from.
Penalty for Making a Stroke at a Ball in Breach of Local Rule: The player gets one penalty stroke for each hole during which they are in breach of this Local Rule.
One Ball Rule; Model Local Rule G-4 is in effect.
Penalty for making a stroke at a ball in breach of the Local Rule: The player gets one penalty stroke for each hole during which they are in breach of this Local Rule.
Rule 4.3a(1) is modified in this way:
During a round, a player must not obtain distance information by using an electronic distance-measuring device.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule - see Penalty Statement to Rule 4.3.
During a round, a player or caddie must not ride on any form of motorized transportation except as authorized or later approved by the Committee.
[A player who will play, or has played, under penalty of stroke and distance is always authorized to ride on motorized transportation.]
[Players and caddies may ride on the shuttle between holes [identify hole] and [identify hole].]
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which there is a breach of this Local Rule. If the breach occurs between the play of two holes, it applies to the next hole.
Rule 4.3a is modified in this way:
During a round, a player must not make a stroke while wearing shoes with:
- Traditional spikes – that is, spikes having single or multiple points designed to penetrate deeply into the surface of the ground (regardless of whether made of metal, ceramic, plastic or other materials); or
- Spikes of any design that are entirely or partially made of metal, if such metal may come in contact with the course.
During a round, a player must not wear shoes with [traditional spikes/describe style of spikes that are not allowed.]
Penalty for breach of Local Rule - see Penalty Statement to Rule 4.3.
Rule 4.3a(4) is modified in this way:
During a round, a player must not listen to or watch content of any nature on a personal audio or video device.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule - see Penalty Statement to Rule 4.3.
Rule 4.1a(2) is modified in this way:
Rule 4.1a(2) applies except that a club that is damaged by the player or their caddie during the round (including while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a) may only be replaced if it is “broken or significantly damaged”.
For the purposes of this Local Rule:
A club is “broken or significantly damaged” when:
- The shaft breaks into pieces, splinters or is bent (but not when the shaft is only dented),
- The club face impact area is visibly deformed (but not when the club face is only scratched or cracked),
- The clubhead is visibly and significantly deformed (but not when the clubhead is only cracked),
- The clubhead is detached or loose from the shaft, or
- The grip is loose.
Replacing Club That is Broken or Significantly Damaged; Model Local Rule G-9 is in effect.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule – See Rule 4.1b.
In making a stroke, the player must not use a club, except for a putter, which exceeds 46 inches in length.
Penalty for Making a Stroke with a Club in Breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification.
There is no penalty under this Local Rule for carrying but not making a stroke with a club that does not conform to these length specifications.
Prohibiting Use of Clubs Longer than 46 Inches; Model Local Rule G-10 is in effect.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule – Disqualification.
Rule 4.3a is modified in this way:
During a round, the player may use only the yardage book(s) approved by the Committee. This restriction also applies to any other maps of the course, including hole-location sheets.
Additional restrictions apply to handwritten notes and any other materials used by the player that could help read the line of play on the putting green:
- Handwritten notes may be added to an approved yardage book or approved hole-location sheet before or during the round by the player or the player’s caddie only and are limited to information gathered by the player or caddie only.
- Handwritten notes may contain information gained only through personal experiences of the player or the player’s caddie from the course or by watching a televised broadcast, but are limited to information gained:
- While observing a ball that was rolled or played (whether by the player, caddie or someone else), or
- Through the player’s or caddie’s feel or general observations of the putting green.
- A yardage book, other maps of the course or a hole-location sheet that has not been approved by the Committee,
- An approved yardage book or approved hole-location sheet that contains a handwritten note or information gained in a manner that is not allowed, or
- Any other materials that could help with reading the line of play on the putting green (whether a specific putting green or greens in general), the player is in breach of this Local Rule.
- Any page of a yardage book or other maps of the course or a hole-location sheet that has not been approved by the Committee, or
- Any of the following when doing so could help the player or caddie read the line of play on the putting green:
- A page in an approved yardage book or an approved hole-location sheet that contains a handwritten note or information gained in a manner that is not allowed, or
- Any other materials.
- Penalty for first breach: General Penalty
- Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.
Restricting Use of Green-Reading Materials; Model Local Rule G-11 is in effect. A Committee approved book must be used. Restrictions on a player’s and caddie’s handwritten notes for green reading materials apply.
Penalty for first breach: General Penalty
Penalty for second breach: Disqualification
Rule 4.3a is modified in this way:
During a round, a player must not use any written, printed, electronic or digital materials to help with reading their line of play for any stroke to be made from the putting green.
Penalty for Breach of this Local Rule:
- Penalty for first breach: General Penalty
- Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.
A player must not have a caddie during the round.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which they have a caddie. If the breach happens or continues between two holes, the player gets the general penalty for the next hole.
A player must not have [identify prohibited type of caddie for example, a parent or guardian] as their caddie during the round.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which they are helped by such a caddie. If the breach happens or continues between two holes, the player gets the general penalty for the next hole.
A player must have a caddie during the round.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which they do not have a caddie.
Each team may name [one/two] advice giver[s] whom players on the team may ask for advice and receive advice from during the round. The team must identify each advice giver to the Committee before any player on the team begins their round.
[The team may change its advice giver during the round, but must tell the Committee when it is doing so.]
[The advice giver must not point out a line of play [or walk on the putting green] when the ball of a team player lies on the putting green.(Delete if not required).
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 10.2]
A team captain must be [insert eligibility restriction, such as a member of the same club].
The advice giver has the same status as a member of the side in relation to each member of their team.
Rule 10.2 is modified in this way:
Where players from the same team are playing together in the same group, those players may give advice to and ask for advice from each other during the round.
Rule 5.2a is modified in this way:
A player must not practise on the competition course before or between rounds.
[Or, if players are allowed to practise in limited ways: Describe those limits and when, where and how a player may practise on the course.]
Penalty for Breach of this Local Rule:
- Penalty for first breach: General Penalty (applied to the player’s first hole).
- Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.
Rule 5.2b is modified in this way:
A player may practise on the competition course before or between rounds.
[Or, if players are allowed to practise in limited ways: Describe those limits and when, where and how a player may practise on the course.]
[Or, if players are prohibited from practising on the course both before and between rounds: “A player must not practise on the competition course before or between rounds.]
Rule 5.2a is modified in this way: A player must not practise on the competition course before or between rounds.
[Or, if players are allowed to practise in limited ways: Describe those limits and when, where and how a player may practise on the] course.
Penalty for breach of Local Rule - see Rule 5.2.
Rule 5.5b is modified in this way: Between the play of two holes, a player must not:
- Make any practice stroke on or near the putting green of the hole just completed, or
- Test the surface of that putting green by rubbing the putting green or rolling a ball.
- [Make any practice stroke on or near any practice green.]
A suspension of play for a dangerous situation will be signalled by [insert signal to be used]. All other suspensions will be signalled by [insert signal to be used]. In either case, resumption of play will be signalled by [insert signal to be used]. See Rule 5.7b.
If a player’s ball lies on the putting green and there is interference by temporary water on the putting green, the player may:
- Take free relief under Rule 16.1d, or
- Have their line of play squeegeed.
- [Have the putting green squeegeed when a ball lies adjacent to the putting green in any area of the course, but only when authorized by the Committee.]
If a group finishes the round [or specify number of holes] more than the starting interval behind the group in front and over [specify time, for example, 3 hours 45 minutes] from the time of starting [or specify as required], all players in the group are subject to one penalty stroke [or specify as required].
Maximum Allowable Time
The maximum allowable time is the maximum time considered necessary by the Committee for a group to complete its round. This is expressed in a per-hole and aggregate time format and includes all time associated with playing the game, for example, for rulings and walking times between holes.
The maximum time allotted for the completion of 18 holes at [insert course name] is [insert maximum time, for example, 4 hours and 05 minutes]. The following procedure applies only if a group is "out of position."
Definition of Out of Position
The first group and any group after a starter’s gap will be considered "out of position" if, at any time during the round, the group's cumulative time exceeds the time allowed for the number of holes played. Any following group will be considered out of position if it is [specify when a group is out of position to the group in front of them (see examples in the purpose of MLR K-2)] [and has exceeded the time allowed for the number of holes played].
Procedure When Group is Out of Position
- Referees will monitor pace of play and decide whether a group that is "out of position" should be timed. An assessment of whether there are any recent mitigating circumstances, for example, a lengthy ruling, lost ball, unplayable ball, etc. will be made.
If a decision is made to time the players, each player in the group will be subject to individual timing and a referee will advise each player that they are "out of position" and they are being timed.
In exceptional circumstances, an individual player, or two players within a group of three, may be timed instead of the entire group. - The maximum time allocated per stroke is [specify a time limit such as 40 seconds].
[10 extra seconds are allowed for the first player to play: a) a tee shot on a par 3 hole; b) an approach shot to the green; and c) a chip or putt. (Delete if not required for your policy.)]
The timing will start when a player has had sufficient time to reach the ball, it is their turn to play and they are able to play without interference or distraction. Time taken to determine distance and select a club will count as time taken for the next stroke.
On the putting green, timing will start when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to lift, clean and replace the ball, repair damage that interferes with the line of play and move loose impediments on the line of play. Time spent looking at the line of play from beyond the hole and/or behind the ball will count as part of the time taken for the next stroke.
Timings will be taken from the moment it is decided by the referee that it is the player's turn to play and they are able to play without interference or distraction.
Timing ceases when a group is back in position and players will be advised accordingly.
- Penalty for first bad time: Verbal warning.
- Penalty for second bad time: One penalty stroke.
- Penalty for third bad time: General Penalty applied in addition to the penalty for the second bad time.
- Penalty for fourth bad time: Disqualification.
Pace of Play Policy (Rule 5.6b(3))
See separate sheet for detailed Pace of Play Policy.
Maximum Allowable Time
The maximum allowable time is the maximum time considered necessary by the Committee for a group to complete its round. This is expressed in a per-hole and aggregate time format and includes all time associated with playing the game, for example, for rulings and walking times between holes.
The maximum time allotted for the completion of 18 holes at [insert course name] is [insert maximum time, for example, 4 hours and 05 minutes]. The following procedure applies only if a group is "out of position."
Definition of Out of Position
The first group and any group after a starter’s gap will be considered "out of position" if, at any time during the round, the group's cumulative time exceeds the time allowed for the number of holes played. Any following group will be considered out of position if it is [specify when a group is out of position to the group in front of them (see examples in the purpose of MLR K-2)] [and has exceeded the time allowed for the number of holes played].
Procedure When Group is Out of Position
- Referees will monitor pace of play and decide whether a group that is "out of position" should be timed. An assessment of whether there are any recent mitigating circumstances, for example, a lengthy ruling, lost ball, unplayable ball, etc. will be made.
If a decision is made to time the players, each player in the group will be subject to individual timing and a referee will advise each player that they are "out of position" and they are being timed.
In exceptional circumstances, an individual player, or two players within a group of three, may be timed instead of the entire group. - The maximum time allocated per stroke is [specify a time limit such as 40 seconds].
[10 extra seconds are allowed for the first player to play: a) a tee shot on a par 3 hole; b) an approach shot to the green; and c) a chip or putt. (Delete if not required for your policy.)]
The timing will start when a player has had sufficient time to reach the ball, it is their turn to play and they are able to play without interference or distraction. Time taken to determine distance and select a club will count as time taken for the next stroke.
On the putting green, timing will start when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to lift, clean and replace the ball, repair damage that interferes with the line of play and move loose impediments on the line of play. Time spent looking at the line of play from beyond the hole and/or behind the ball will count as part of the time taken for the next stroke.
Timings will be taken from the moment it is decided by the referee that it is the player's turn to play and they are able to play without interference or distraction.
Timing ceases when a group is back in position and players will be advised accordingly.
- Penalty for first bad time: One penalty stroke.
- Penalty for second bad time: General Penalty applied in addition to the penalty for the first bad time.
- Penalty for third bad time: Disqualification.
Pace of Play Policy. Rule 5.6b(3).
See separate sheet for detailed Pace of Play Policy.
Rule 3.3b(2) is modified in this way:
If a player returns a scorecard without the hole scores being certified either by the player, the marker or both, the player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes).
The penalty applies to the last hole of the player’s round.
Rule 3.3b(4) is modified in this way:
The player is responsible for showing their handicap [specify what handicap is to be shown, for example, Handicap Index™, Course Handicap™, Playing Handicap™] on the scorecard.
Once the Committee receives the scorecard from the player at the end of their round, the Committee is responsible for:
- Adding up the player’s scores, and
- Applying the player’s handicap strokes to calculate the player’s net score.
- Handicap on Scorecard Too High or No Handicap Shown. If this affects the number of strokes the player gets, the player is disqualified from the handicap competition. If it does not, there is no penalty.
- Handicap on Scorecard Too Low. There is no penalty and the player’s net score stands using the lower handicap as shown.
Making Player Responsible for Handicap on Scorecard; Model Local Rule L-2 is in effect.
The player is responsible for showing their handicap [specify what handicap is to be shown, e.g. Handicap Index, Course Handicap or Playing Handicap] on the scorecard.
Before making a stroke, a player using a wheeled mobility device may take free relief 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: 6 inches from the reference point, which may be nearer the hole, but with these limits:
- Limits on Location of Relief Area:
- Must be in the same area of the course, and
- Must not be in an area of grass cut to fairway height or less unless the original ball came to rest in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less (this means, for example, that a ball in the rough may not be placed in the fairway).
Before making a stroke, a player using a wheeled mobility device may take free relief by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from a relief area that is within 6 inches of where the ball lay. But it must be placed in the same area of the course, and if the ball originally lay in the rough, it must not be placed in the fairway.
For players who use wheeled mobility devices, [identify specific bunker(s) or all bunkers on the course] are ground under repair in the general area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.
Where the Committee has determined that there is clear evidence that a player’s ability to putt is significantly and negatively impacted by ataxia or athetosis, and the player holds a WR4GD pass or EDGA Access pass, that player is exempt from penalty under Rule 10.1b (Anchoring the Club).