Local Rules

Out of Bounds

Beyond the white stakes to the right of the 1^st and 18^th holes.

During play of the 4^th and 15^th holes, the area to the left of the hole, defined by stakes that are white with black tops and on the 15^th extending to the solid white stake on the course boundary, is out of bounds. These stakes are boundary objects during the play of the 4th and 15th holes. When playing all other holes, they are immovable obstructions.

In the absence of white stakes defining the boundary a ball lying on or beyond the public bridleway behind the 5^th, 15^th, and 7^th greens and left of the 6^th hole is out of bounds.

Penalty Areas

Red penalty areas are identified by red stakes. Unless defined by red lines the edge of each penalty area is defined by its natural boundaries (that is, where the ground breaks away to form the depression holding the water).

Ground Under Repair

Any area bounded by a white line.

The stone filled drainage trench along the right-hand side of the 3rd hole.

All drainage channels and soakaways, but interference does not exist if it only interferes with the player’s stance.

Relief may be taken under Rule 16.1.

Immovable Obstructions

All roads, public footpaths, and bridleways on the course, even if not artificially surfaced, are treated as immovable obstructions from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.

Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Green
Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1.

The player also has these extra options to take relief when such immovable obstructions are 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:

Within two club-lengths of the putting green, and
Within two club-lengths of the ball.

Exception: There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.

Practising Before Rounds

Rule 5.2b is modified in this way:
A player must not practise on the competition course before or between rounds.

At any time a player may practise on the areas, within the bounds of the course, which are left of the 1^st hole and left of the 8^th hole.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.2:

Penalty for first breach: General Penalty (applied to the player’s first hole).

Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.

Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a Local Rule is the General Penalty

(Match Play – Loss of hole; Stroke Play – Two strokes)

Additional Local Rules – Winter 2025-26

Animal Dung

At the player’s option, animal 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.

Animal Hoof Damage

Damage that is clearly identifiable as having been 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 as such damage may be repaired under Rule 13.1.

Preferred Lies

When a ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, free relief may be taken once by placing a ball in the general area not nearer the hole than and within 6 inches of the original ball’s spot (Model Local Rule E-3)