Local rule no1

[mashleyR7]

So I joined a new golf club this year, a tree lined, forest course, I knew it wasn't going to be a great winter course but was surprised to see these local rules come into play in October.

This one I think is fine but should state unless in a hazard surely?

 

[Old Skier]

So I joined a new golf club this year, a tree lined, forest course, I knew it wasn't going to be a great winter course but was surprised to see these local rules come into play in October.

This one I think is fine but should state unless in a hazard surely?

Might be a practical think for social golf but hopefully they aren't playing qualifiers under that one.

 

[mashleyR7]

Yup, I played in a stableford q comp under this rule and the one in my other post.

 

[Imurg]

You can play a competition but it can't be a qualifier with LC&P anywhere on the course.

 

[KenL]

Didn't think that was allowed for qualifying comps.

I thought that preferred lies were only allowed on closely mown areas?

 

[rulefan]

Didn't think that was allowed for qualifying comps.

I thought that preferred lies were only allowed on closely mown areas?

You are correct.

 

[rulefan]

So I joined a new golf club this year, a tree lined, forest course, I knew it wasn't going to be a great winter course but was surprised to see these local rules come into play in October.

A quiet word to your County might be in order

 

[Deleted member 15344]

A quiet word to your County might be in order

Or maybe the club first as it maybe an innocent mistake

 

[Old Skier]

Didn't think that was allowed for qualifying comps.

I thought that preferred lies were only allowed on closely mown areas?

Yes but a local rule for plugged balls in the rough can be introduced.

 

[mashleyR7]

I will re confirm with the club if this is used in comp, but as I say I played in one, when I questioned it one chap said 'welcome to winter here' so my feeling is that theyve been doing it for years.

 

[Colin L]

I will re confirm with the club if this is used in comp, but as I say I played in one, when I questioned it one chap said 'welcome to winter here' so my feeling is that theyve been doing it for years.

I suppose it is really up to the club whether to implement this in a winter competition if it is happy to a go outside the rules in order to make golf more enjoyable for players. The issue is not that it can't run a comp like this, but that it cannot be a qualifier.

But it isn't necessary to go beyond the rules to make winter golf more enjoyable. The rules in my view adequately cater for winter golf. The local rule you should be looking at is Lift, Clean and Replace. That allows you to clean your ball through the green but you must replace it. If it was in a grotty lie, it goes back in the grotty lie, but at least you don't have to play a ball that has chunks of mud sticking to it. In particular it takes away the problem of having to play your ball from a good lie in the semi-rough with mud on it.

These approved rules cover it all and your competition is a qualifier: Preferred Lies ("winter rules") or fairway mats ; extending relief for an embedded ball to through the green; and Lift, Clean and Replace. See Appendix 1 Part A 3 Conditions.

 

[KenL]

You can run a qualifying comp when fairway mats are in use.

 

[Colin L]

As I just said.

 

[oltimer]

Are you saying that lift clean /replace in the rough and it can still be a qualifying comp ?, when this is in force half the field is in fact taking a preferred lie as they can now get a wood to the ball,

 

[rulefan]

Are you saying that lift clean /replace in the rough and it can still be a qualifying comp ?, when this is in force half the field is in fact taking a preferred lie as they can now get a wood to the ball,

You have misunderstood.
The local referred to is Mark, Lift, Clean and REPLACE (ie on the spot and in the lie from which it was lifted). This is available Through the Green.

Although I approve of it in principle, it is widely abused.

 

[oltimer]

many thanks that's what I thought, that said whilst I approve of making the game playable, that a lot of clubs will by playing non qualifyers now not be adjusting handicaps until the next season starts - 6 months of play without any adjustment !

 

[Colin L]

Are you saying that lift clean /replace in the rough and it can still be a qualifying comp ?, when this is in force half the field is in fact taking a preferred lie as they can now get a wood to the ball,

As I said above, if your ball was in a grotty lie, it goes back in the grotty lie - except it is now clean. If a player takes a preferred lie instead he is in breach of the rules. Where does that leave us? Do you use it for the sake of the honest players, or deny the honest players the opportunity for greater enjoyment of winter golf because of the dishonest?

 

[oltimer]

Hi Colin - am conducting a one man campaign to keep winter golf as qualifiers, all known LRs - pref lies, plugged balls in force, on your advice I insisted that the latest addition of Mark, Lift, clean + Replace, thro the Green still allows them to be Qualifying (all other requirements complied with) Hcap Secs response was that they contacted R & A last year and were advised this latter rule made them Non Q.
They do not have this in writing so any suggestions how I can prove they can still be Qual/Comps as I cannot contact R&A/Congu over their heads.

 

[rulie]

Hi Colin - am conducting a one man campaign to keep winter golf as qualifiers, all known LRs - pref lies, plugged balls in force, on your advice I insisted that the latest addition of Mark, Lift, clean + Replace, thro the Green still allows them to be Qualifying (all other requirements complied with) Hcap Secs response was that they contacted R & A last year and were advised this latter rule made them Non Q.
They do not have this in writing so any suggestions how I can prove they can still be Qual/Comps as I cannot contact R&A/Congu over their heads.

I doubt that is true since the R&A are not involved in administering handicapping.

 

[Old Skier]

I doubt that is true since the R&A are not involved in administering handicapping.

But they are involved in "The Rules" however I'm not sure why they haven't got it in writing as trying to get them on the phone is difficult and most contact is via email.
i also don't believe they have the correct information.