Rules - Something New Learnt

[Jensen]

I was watching Irish Open yesterday where Gaeme MaxDowell got relief.
The ball was off the green and a sprinkler head was in his line of intended play. Note the sprinkler was not interferring with his stance or swing and he wanted to putt.
I thought no chance mate you'll have to play it due to rub of green, however he got relief!!!!
Turns out ruling states if sprinkler head is within 2 club lengths of the green and the ball is within 2 club lengths of the sprinkler head you get relief.
Well I never

 

[rosecott]

I was watching Irish Open yesterday where Gaeme MaxDowell got relief.The ball was off the green and a sprinkler head was in his line of intended play. Note the sprinkler was not interferring with his stance or swing and he wanted to putt.I thought no chance mate you'll have to play it due to rub of green, however he got relief!!!!Turns out ruling states if sprinkler head is within 2 club lengths of the green and the ball is within 2 club lengths of the sprinkler head you get relief.Well I never

Standard and widely used local rule as recommended in the rules of golf Appendix 1 Part B - 6

 

[ScienceBoy]

Sometimes its worth not taking the risk making a mistake with a rule like that and just chipping it.

 

[duncan mackie]

Standard and widely used local rule as recommended in the rules of golf Appendix 1 Part B - 6

strangely it's also the one that gets distorted most often by the time it ends up printed on the card...

 

[Foxholer]

Yep. As it's a Local Rule, it's not always applicable, so check the card!

Same applies to playing, other than tee shots, off teeing areas.

 

[Leftie]

Yep. As it's a Local Rule, it's not always applicable, so check the card!

Same applies to playing, other than tee shots, off teeing areas.

And local rules re stones in bunkers, paths integral to the course, DMD's, etc.

Always check the local rules before teeing off.

 

[rosecott]

Same applies to playing, other than tee shots, off teeing areas.

Not heard that one before - are you sure the R&A would approve that as a local rule?

 

[duncan mackie]

Not heard that one before - are you sure the R&A would approve that as a local rule?

it sneeks in from time to time but I agree, they wouldn't approve it if asked!

when it does sneek in it's normally poorly worded as well ie referencing 'wrong teeing ground' which is an oxymoron etc

 

[Colin L]

Has to be a dodgy one that. It's not sanctioned in Appendix 1. A tee other than on the hole you are playing is through the green so if your ball lands on one you get on with playing it (often with some degree of relief considering that many a tee has jungle around it).

Isn't there a risk that a club is jeopardising its members' handicaps if they run qualifying rounds with an illegal local rule in place?

 

[duncan mackie]

Isn't there a risk that a club is jeopardising its members' handicaps if they run qualifying rounds with an illegal local rule in place?

yes - but they don't do it knowingly so the implied logic doesn't really apply

 

[Colin L]

But they are bound to be reading the Golf Monthly forum, so they'll know now.

 

[MashieNiblick]

We have been told we should take a free drop if the ball comes to rest on a teeing ground in friendlies but this doesn't apply in competitions.