Members,

Due to the recent rains parts of the course are a little damp, and some balls are picking up the occasional lump of mud.

In response, the Match Committee have introduced a local rule to allow members to clean the mud from their ball.

It is not to intended that you can improve your line or position on the course, or counter a poor shot, or enable you to move out from behind a tree.

Note: the R&A recommend that this rule only apply on areas mown to fairway height or less (i.e.; not the rough) but because the fairways are not that clearly defined at the moment, it applies in the General Area. 

On a day by day basis, a temporary local rule is now in place. ” Mark, Lift , Clean and Re-place” – please don’t assume it is here to stay all winter.

Remember it is (mark) lift, clean and replace – just as you would on the green. It is not “preferred lies” – it is not a hand-span, card width or club length.

Commencing Saturday 20th July:

Mark, Lift, Clean and Re-Place 

* in the General Area only

* not permitted in bunkers or penalty areas.

* within one ball of the original (marked) location (Not a hand-span, not a card-width, one ball width only)

* no nearer the hole

* it is not compulsory to lift & clean – you can play it as it lies if there is no mud on the ball.

Failure to MARK your ball before lifting – ONE penalty stroke

Playing from the WRONG PLACE (closer to hole / more than 1 ball away) – TWO penalty strokes

 

Remember – if 80 players, all playing 18 holes, average 5 shots per hole, that is 7200 times that balls could be marked and cleaned – at an average of 15 seconds per player, per stroke, to mark and clean, this potentially adds 5 minutes per hole per group – or 90 minutes to a round.

Pace of play will be an issue while this local rule is in place if member’s do not take affirmative steps to maintain their place in the field. 

 

It is your responsibility to keep up with the group in front – not just ahead of the group behind!

 

Course conditions will be re-assessed regularly, so please check for any notices.

• Please be mindful of where you take you buggies, carts and ride-ons.
• Avoid steep slopes, and heavily trafficked / trampled areas near greens or between holes.
• Avoid driving anywhere near the approach side or up slope in front of ANY green.
• Avoid taking buggies between greens and nearby hills or bunkers as these paths will become compacted and muddy
• Where available, all buggies and carts should remain on the paths.

Thank you.

Match Committee 

 

 

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