Blue Stakes v GUR

[Deleted member 16999]

Before we teed off yesterday the starter informed us that the course had recently demolished a greenkeepers bldg between the 12th green and 13th tee and it was marked by blue stakes.
When we got to that area there was no sign of the building just an imprint in the ground were the bldg had stood.
Why would you mark the area with Blue Stakes rather than as GUR, what is the difference as isn’t relief from both the same?

 

[Foxholer]

Not 1000% certain, but my understanding is that GUR you may take relief whereas Blue staked area you must take relief

 

[Colin L]

It depends on what the local rules tell you is signified by blue stakes as they do not have a specific meaning in the Rules (unlike red and yellow stakes). On my own course, a blue staked area is GUR, relief being optional; if in addition to the stakes there is a sign stating GUR Play Prohibited, then relief is mandatory.

The Local Rules should make it clear.

 

[rulefan]

Blue is commonly used to denote GUR. Many clubs use blue to distinguish the area from OOB. Stakes or lines have no different significance. (Much as stakes/lines for WH & OOB).

The Local Rule, possibly supplemented by a sign, should specify if play is prohibited.
Normally prohibition is only invoked if the ground or area needs protection. (eg newly seeded). It would seem unlikely for the site of a demolished building.

 

[jim8flog]

At our course blue stakes denote where the underground water pipes for the sprinkler system are.

Blue being chosen because it has no significance in the rules.

 

[Colin L]

At our course blue stakes denote where the underground water pipes for the sprinkler system are.

Blue being chosen because it has no significance in the rules.

Which neatly illustrates that apart from red and yellow*, colours have only the significance specified in the Local Rules.

*Dangerous thing to say. Have I forgotten any other?

 

[chrisd]

Which neatly illustrates that apart from red and yellow*, colours have only the significance specified in the Local Rules.

*Dangerous thing to say. Have I forgotten any other?

Go on, I'll fall for it - what about white?

 

[nickjdavis]

Go on, I'll fall for it - what about white?

You fall for it and I will guess that the answer is because...

The definition of OOB tells us that we SHOULD use white stakes to define OOB....not MUST.

 

[Colin L]

You fall for it and I will guess that the answer is because...

The definition of OOB tells us that we SHOULD use white stakes to define OOB....not MUST.

:thup:

But I wasn't trying to catch anyone out - it was a genuine question.