Members,

“Preferred Lies” local rule is in effect.

Local rule: Preferred lies: Fairways and fringe of the green only (also known as mark, lift, clean and re-place)

* applies to fairways and fringes around the green only (Note: excludes rough, bunkers, penalty areas or “hazards”.

**The ‘Fringe’ extends approx. 2 metres around the green, please don’t stretch it out – if there is any doubt, play it as it lies..

* 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 NPZs, paths, temporary water etc.) the ball may be cleaned and then dropped within the relief area. Once in play, the ball may not be lifted again. 

* not nearer the hole, and remaining in the General Area (even if your hand-span permits the ball to be placed on the green that is not 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 within 1 hand span of the original spot after re-lifting – 2 strokes

Playing from the WRONG PLACE (closer to hole / more than 1 hand-span away) – 2 penalty strokes

Small marker flags, green pegs, steel ‘pig-tails’ & yellow ropes have been placed to protect the course and direct buggies and carts away from sensitive areas – relief may be taken if the rope / peg interferes with your STANCE OR SWING only – not the line of play, or you can ‘drop’ the rope and put it back once you’ve played. You may step over the ropes to play your stroke from within the roped off GUR area, or take relief at the nearest point that is no closer. Please look after our course.

Please put the stakes, the pegs or the ropes back, and do not take your buggy or cart inside the ropes. 

Remember it is “mark, lift, clean and place 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 members 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 carts within 15 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.
• Where available, all buggies and carts should remain on the paths.

Thank you.

Match Committee

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