Local Rules

[Region3]

If a club want to introduce a local rule, do they have to use the example given by the R&A or can they make their own up?

I found out at the weekend that they want to give relief from an embedded ball through the green by rolling the ball out of it's hole so that it's only just clear of it, with no cleaning allowed.

I don't agree with this and want to get my facts right before I argue it.

Thanks.

 

[atticusfinch]

If you want the text of your local rule to differ from the recommended language you should have it approved by the R&A.

 

[Region3]

If you want the text of your local rule to differ from the recommended language you should have it approved by the R&A.

Thank you :thup:

 

[rulefan]

They would almost certainly not approve of that one.

 

[Fyldewhite]

This is one of the most stupid local rules I've heard of. Yet many at my club almost assume this is the rule in winter and I think there are many places that do this. It's subject to all sorts of abuse, has no basis in the rules (ie nowhere in the real rules do you do anything remotely similar). Would love to know how this became commonplace as it's barmy. Almost like a rules urban myth that's somehow become (semi) established!

 

[delc]

This is one of the most stupid local rules I've heard of. Yet many at my club almost assume this is the rule in winter and I think there are many places that do this. It's subject to all sorts of abuse, has no basis in the rules (ie nowhere in the real rules do you do anything remotely similar). Would love to know how this became commonplace as it's barmy. Almost like a rules urban myth that's somehow become (semi) established!

Why? Many club allow relief from plugged lies through the green under Winter Rules. At ours you can lift, clean and drop within one club length in the rough or place within 6" on a closely mown area, not nearer the hole, and I think that is pretty normal.

 

[Spuddy]

Why? Many club allow relief from plugged lies through the green under Winter Rules. At ours you can lift, clean and drop within one club length in the rough or place within 6" on a closely mown area, not nearer the hole, and I think that is pretty normal.

I think he's saying that the 'roll the ball out but don't clean it' is daft, not the common rule you describe.

 

[Foxholer]

Why? Many club allow relief from plugged lies through the green under Winter Rules. At ours you can lift, clean and drop within one club length in the rough or place within 6" on a closely mown area, not nearer the hole, and I think that is pretty normal.

Because there is a (unsurprisingly, quite reasonable) specimen LR to cover exactly this condition in the Rules!

Your club's one differs from the specimen one also! Don't tell us you got them to change it because you 'didn't like it'! :mmm:

 

[atticusfinch]

The rule in this example called for the ball to be rolled out of the plug only far enough to clear it and did not allow cleaning. That does not conform to the local rule approved by the rules of golf.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

The rule in this example called for the ball to be rolled out of the plug only far enough to clear it and did not allow cleaning. That does not conform to the local rule approved by the rules of golf.

Simply seems like an evolution of moving plugged ball to identify it. We'll often roll it out of the plug hole to identify it - so why not just leave it where you have rolled it to rather than roll it back in and take a drop or place if relief from ball being plugged is provided. Saves a lot of time. No big deal. Rules evolve.

 

[Foxholer]

The rule in this example called for the ball to be rolled out of the plug only far enough to clear it and did not allow cleaning. That does not conform to the local rule approved by the rules of golf.

Indeed, rather a stupid one imo!

Suggest they replace it with the specimen one - or at least justify why they didn't use the specimen one!

 

[SGC001]

If a club want to introduce a local rule, do they have to use the example given by the R&A or can they make their own up?

I found out at the weekend that they want to give relief from an embedded ball through the green by rolling the ball out of it's hole so that it's only just clear of it, with no cleaning allowed.

I don't agree with this and want to get my facts right before I argue it.

Thanks.

Hi Region3:

It seems a little weird

Can you clarify it a bit? Isn't rule 25-2 for embedded balls. Are they wanting to extend relief to other areas (not just closely mown) and leave it as it stands for closely mown areas through the green, but apply roll relief through the green (non closely mown) or wanting to modify the relief for embedded balls on closely mown areas through the green too?

If conditions are that bad that warrant relief through the green why change the relief procedure?

Some relevant bits for you to look up

25-2
A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground in any closely mown area through the green may be lifted, cleaned and dropped, without penalty, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green. “Closely-mown area” means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.

33-8
a. Policy
The Committee may establish Local Rules for local abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policy set forth in Appendix I.

b. Waiving or Modifying a Rule
A Rule of Golf must not be waived by a Local Rule. However, if a Committee considers that local abnormal conditions interfere with the proper playing of the game to the extent that it is necessary to make a Local Rule that modifies the Rules of Golf, the Local Rule must be authorised by the R&A.

 

[rulefan]

Simply seems like an evolution of moving plugged ball to identify it. We'll often roll it out of the plug hole to identify it - so why not just leave it where you have rolled it to rather than roll it back in and take a drop or place if relief from ball being plugged is provided. Saves a lot of time. No big deal. Rules evolve.

Why break that rule aswell.

If you want to identify it follow the rule as written.

 

[rulefan]

At ours you can lift, clean and drop within one club length in the rough or place within 6" on a closely mown area, not nearer the hole, and I think that is pretty normal.

I hope that is not normal as both are wrong as the following applies to both.

lifted, cleaned and dropped, without penalty, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Why break that rule aswell.

If you want to identify it follow the rule as written.

Which is what we follow on closely mown areas

But I'm thinking identifying ball when it is plugged in the rough (through the green). Rare I know - but I think I would mark ball position, move the ball to identify it, and then replaced it near as possible to marked position. Would I have done wrong?

 

[atticusfinch]

It is a big deal. The purpose in dropping a ball that has been lifted from the lie your last shot gave it is to approximate a stroke and make you have to live with the resulting new lie. Being able to simply roll the ball half a diameter does not approximate that. When you get to change your lie without penalty you must pay a price.

 

[atticusfinch]

Which is what we follow on closely mown areas

But I'm thinking identifying ball when it is plugged in the rough (through the green). Rare I know - but I think I would mark ball position, move the ball to identify it, and then replaced it near as possible to marked position. Would I have done wrong?

Yes, when you lift for identification the ball must be replaced. Not as near as possible, exactly where it was.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

gosh @atticusfinch - with that forum name I will be expecting fairness and balance in all you thoughts and postings in the search for truth and justice

 

[atticusfinch]

gosh @atticusfinch - with that forum name I will be expecting fairness and balance in all you thoughts and postings in the search for truth and justice

Was I unfair? Sorry.

 

[rickg]

Why? Many club allow relief from plugged lies through the green under Winter Rules. At ours you can lift, clean and drop within one club length in the rough or place within 6" on a closely mown area, not nearer the hole, and I think that is pretty normal.

Ooooo Del.....I would have thought with your immense knowledge of the rules, you would realise that your club have got these wrong.....

Might be worth you throwing your energy into rules changes closer to home and ensuring your club follow the rules properly. Surprised you didn't pick up,on this.