Temporary local rule: Preferred lies (within one hand-span)

Published on 28th June 2023 in Uncategorized

Member,

“Preferred Lies” local rule is in effect until Wednesday 23 August 2023.

Local rule: mark, lift, clean and re-place

 

* applies in the “general area” (Note: The General Area is every part of the course except bunkers, penalty areas or “hazards”, greens & tees boxes)

* the ball is to be placed within one hand-span of the original (marked) location 

* if taking relief under another rule (penalty area relief, relief from a NPZ, embedded stones, paths, temporary water etc.) the ball may be cleaned and placed (not dropped) once onlywithin the relief area. Once placed, the ball may not be lifted again. 

* not nearer the hole (if your hand-span permits the ball to be placed on the green that is permitted.) With the exception of back of line relief, the ball must remain within the relief area.

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

(**Preferred lies is not an acceptable excuse for slow play)

Penalties –

  • failure to mark your ball before lifting – 1 stroke
  • lifting a ball a second time – 1 stroke
  • failure to replace it in the original spot after re-lifting – 2 strokes

 

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

Green pegs, Steep ‘pig-tails’ & yellow ropes have been placed to protect the course – relief may be taken if the rope / peg interferes with your STANCE OR SWING only – not the line of play. You may step over them to play your stroke from within the roped off area.

Please don’t pull the stakes out, drop the pegs or the ropes, and do not take your buggy or cart inside the ropes. 

Remember it is “mark, lift, clean and replace not drop – just as you would on the green – unless you are applying a different rule. 

Pace of play could 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.

  • Get to your ball quickly and be ready to play
  • Play a provisional if you didn’t see where it went
  • Mark, clean and replace quickly if you are applying the rule
  • This local rule will not be an excuse for slow play

It is always your responsibility to keep pace 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 your buggies, carts and ride-ons.
  • Avoid steep slopes, and heavily trafficked / trampled areas near greens, at the end of paths or between holes.
  • Avoid driving within 10 metres of, or anywhere near the approach side or up slope in front of ANY green.
  • Do not drive carts (and where possible do not take buggies) between greens and nearby hills or bunkers as these paths will become compacted and muddy (as seen alongside the 5th tee box)
  • Where available, all buggies and carts should remain on the paths.

Thank you.

Match Committee

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