Abnormal Ground Conditions

[Flaxton]

Hello
We have a couple of fairways which have been deep scarified to help with drainage. We brought in a local rule giving relief under 16.1b if the ball (not the stance) is touching one of the slits. This has been interpreted as dropping the ball away from the original slit but still in the general area of scarification. If the ball lands in another slit it is being placed as per the rules. This is now being questioned. Is each individual slit an AGC or should the whole area be defined as AGC meaning that a drop would need to be made off the fairway (taking full relief).
Thanks
Mal

 

[rulefan]

There is a recommended Local Rule. (b) can be taken out for your situation.

Relief from 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.

Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a."

NB The word 'again' IMO means relief from the original hole/slit not the second hole/slit. O/w the player may advance himself into a very advantageous position.


As an additional thought, it may be worth asking your County for permission to introduce Preferred Lies for those very specifically identified areas for a limited period.

 

[Flaxton]

Thanks Duncan

 

[rulefan]

Thanks Duncan

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[duncan mackie]

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