Local rules are additional rules that the Greens committee have put into place due to the specific requirements of our course over the winter months. They are designed to promote fair play at Prestonfield Golf Club over a time when weather conditions greatly affect the course and should be observed as well as the general rules of golf as outlined under the R&A.
Get to know your definitions
Temporary Water
Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that:
Special cases:
Wrong Green
Any green on the course other than the putting green for the hole the player is playing.
Wrong greens include:
Wrong greens should be deemed as GUR and golfers must take relief under Rule 16-1
What are Preferred lies and what do they mean?
When a player's ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:
Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: 6 inches from the reference point, but with these limits:
Limits on Location of Relief Area:
In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.
Aeration Holes
Model Local Rule E-4
"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, on the putting green, on the player's line of play.
Ground Under Repair (GUR)
All areas marked as GUR defined by either stakes, ropes or a white lines is ground under repair from which play is prohibited. If a player’s ball lies in the area, or it interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing, the player must take relief under Rule 16-1
SPECIFIC RULES IMPLEMENTED DUE TO COVID-19
Flagsticks
Incorporated in to Prestonfield Golf Club’s Code of Conduct Rule 1.2b All players are required to leave the flagstick in the hole at all times.
Breach of rule 1.2b
General Penalty
Note: the following rule from the Rules of Golf, rule 13 c ball resting against flagstick in hole if a player’s ball comes to rest against the flagstick left in the hole: if any part of the ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green, the ball is treated as holed even if the entire ball is not below the surface.
Bunkers
As the rakes have been removed from the course the Committee recognises that bunkers may not be smoothed as effectively as when rakes are on the course. A player in a bunker may lift their ball and replace it within six inches, but no nearer the hole, and still within the bunker. However, players are not allowed to smooth the area before placing the ball. Players are encouraged to smooth the area with their foot, club or with a sanitised rake after the shot.
Miscellaneous Course Damage
All course renovation works, including newly seeded areas, drainage disruption and damage caused by heavy equipment, is ground under repair (GUR), even if not so marked with white lines. If a player’s ball lies in such a condition, or if such condition interferes with the player’s stance or area of intended swing, the player must take relief under Rule 16-1b. The player must lift their ball and drop it without penalty within one club length, of the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole.
Winter golfing advice and arrangements: in an effort to try and reduce the wear and tear around holes and the areas immediately surrounding them, the Greens committee wishes to enlist the help of golfers during the winter period, especially when the greens are wet. Similarly, when compulsory, golfers are required to tee from the artificial tee mats and use artificial mats throughout the general area.
Whenever Winter Mats are in force, their use is compulsory and MUST be used throughout the course (including rough and tees).
The exceptions to this rule are:
Adhering to these rules will help ensure the course is even better next year.
Please help protect the course by observing all fenced, hooped, roped and white line restrictions. Buggy and trolley users must respect all restrictions of no-go areas and are asked to keep buggy’s and trolleys away from tees, greens, green surrounds and if possible, use winter wheels. Please remember that the use of temporary greens or the implementation of other buggy and trolley restrictions are short term measures designed to protect the golf course from damage and to help ensure the health and safety of all golfers and employees. In essence, please do all you can to help protect the course during the winter.
Thank you for your cooperation and safe golfing!
Greens Committee