Prohibiting play from another hole's teebox

[rulefan]

My experience is 2-3 weeks when it does not involve an ongoing competition.

Yes. I didn't go directly to my contacts but used the web enquiry form.

 

[rulefan]

I've tried looking at the model local rules on the R&A website but couldn't find an answer to this...

Is it permissible to have a local rule that states you must take relief from the tee boxes of other holes?
(Where by "tee box" I mean the entire closely-mown ground within which a teeing area can be located).

My club wants players to drop away from tee boxes during the winter to protect them.
My understanding is that a local rule cannot override a RoG, and that other teeing areas are just part of the general area.

Is the solution to this to declare that other teeing areas (or rather, the entire "tee boxes") are no-play zones (using E-8.1)?

I have eventually had confirmation that it is permissible for the Committee to make all the (other) "tee boxes" and/or teeing areas, ‘No Play Zones’ where relief must be taken.

However, the Committee should think carefully how they describe the areas. eg The ground surrounding the tee boxes may often have steep slopes at the side which may be the nearest point of complete relief and possibly dropping the ball may penalise the player with a tricky lie when they had a perfectly flat lie before

 

[cliveb]

I have eventually had confirmation that it is permissible for the Committee to make all the (other) "tee boxes" and/or teeing areas, ‘No Play Zones’ where relief must be taken.

However, the Committee should think carefully how they describe the areas. eg The ground surrounding the tee boxes may often have steep slopes at the side which may be the nearest point of complete relief and possibly dropping the ball may penalise the player with a tricky lie when they had a perfectly flat lie before

Thanks for following this up, rulefan. I must admit that given the current situation I had forgotten about it!

As far as suffering a bad lie after taking mandatory relief, surely the response must be that it's karma for hitting your shot so far offline. One could even argue that when you play that badly you really don't deserve a good lie on a nicely mown teebox!

 

[rulie]

Thanks for following this up, rulefan. I must admit that given the current situation I had forgotten about it!

As far as suffering a bad lie after taking mandatory relief, surely the response must be that it's karma for hitting your shot so far offline. One could even argue that when you play that badly you really don't deserve a good lie on a nicely mown teebox!

Sometimes the tee box is only slightly offline and one of the best places to miss - think of several holes on the Old Course.

 

[bobmac]

Isn't this the same as not being allowed to play off the wrong green?

 

[rulefan]

Isn't this the same as not being allowed to play off the wrong green?

In effect yes. The major difference is that a Local Rule has to be introduced to cover it. In addition, the surface of the "tee box" area is designed for the type of club probably being used to play from there. Whereas the putting green is not.

Incidentally, on looking through my files, I find that I had already had the same confirmation 10 years ago and that both then and now, the introduction of a LR was not recommended.

 

[bobmac]

In effect yes. The major difference is that a Local Rule has to be introduced to cover it. In addition, the surface of the "tee box" area is designed for the type of club probably being used to play from there. Whereas the putting green is not.

Incidentally, on looking through my files, I find that I had already had the same confirmation 10 years ago and that both then and now, the introduction of a LR was not recommended.

I meant it's the same as you're allowed to play from the green of the hole you are on and not from another (wrong) green. (remove the word 'green' and insert 'tee'.

 

[clubchamp98]

I have eventually had confirmation that it is permissible for the Committee to make all the (other) "tee boxes" and/or teeing areas, ‘No Play Zones’ where relief must be taken.

However, the Committee should think carefully how they describe the areas. eg The ground surrounding the tee boxes may often have steep slopes at the side which may be the nearest point of complete relief and possibly dropping the ball may penalise the player with a tricky lie when they had a perfectly flat lie before

Would a drop zone be permitted?

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Declare that particular fairway/hole including the tee an internal OOB, for health and safety reasons, when playing any other hole.

Oooh - that would be harsh...might your thinking be influenced by your own track sir?

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Sometimes the tee box is only slightly offline and one of the best places to miss - think of several holes on the Old Course.

..and sometimes you can misjudge such as a following wind and with a hard ground your ball can bounce on a good line but way too long - and onto an adjacent tee. You might have a straightforward shot from the teeing ground - but harsh if you are quite severely penalised by having to drop off the tee in a grim place...

 

[jim8flog]

Would a drop zone be permitted?

I would have thought that a drop zone would only be permitted where it is impracticable or impossible to take relief within the limits set by the rules.

 

[doublebogey7]

I meant it's the same as you're allowed to play from the green of the hole you are on and not from another (wrong) green. (remove the word 'green' and insert 'tee'.

Not that simple though, "Putting Green" is defined in the rules, the whole area intended to be used for the "teeing Area" from time to time is not defined in the rules so the club would need to find a way of doing that.

 

[clubchamp98]

I would have thought that a drop zone would only be permitted where it is impracticable or impossible to take relief within the limits set by the rules.

Yes see that .
But by having a local rule for this it’s already” bending” the play it as it lies rule.
So if it’s for protecting the tee, you may inadvertently put the player in danger by having to play off a steep slope and possibly falling hurting themselves .

 

[jim8flog]

Yes see that .
But by having a local rule for this it’s already” bending” the play it as it lies rule.
So if it’s for protecting the tee, you may inadvertently put the player in danger by having to play off a steep slope and possibly falling hurting themselves .

see DBs #72 post

A club would have to be very careful in defining the area to be protected and it would probably mean defining the area on each and every individual tee if they are going to get it right.

Personally I would not see a lot of clubs using the rule for what might only be an occasional ball. More hard work than treating it the same as every other divot hole on the tee.

 

[rulefan]

Would a drop zone be permitted?

Yes. Dropping Zones are always at the discretion of the Committee.
Note however - Dropping zones should normally be used to give the player an extra relief option. But the Committee may also require use of a dropping zone as the player’s only relief option under a Rule, other than stroke and distance.

 

[rulefan]

Personally I would not see a lot of clubs using the rule for what might only be an occasional ball.

One reason why the R&A don't recommend its use.