Surface Breaking tree roots of fairway

[SVB]

Folks,

Do the core RoG or provision for local rules offer any alleviation for surface breaking tree roots on the fairway?

We have issue with a tree that results in not wanting to disrupt the roots and risk damaging a feature tree but also not wanting to penalise golfers.

A semi-permanent GUR is obviously and option but is there anything more elegant that could be done?

 

[rulefan]

The 'core' Rules do not permit relief but the Committee may make a local rule as provided below.

33-8/8 Local Rule Providing Relief from Tree Roots

Q.May a Committee make a Local Rule providing relief without penalty if a player's stroke is interfered with by exposed tree roots?

A.A Local Rule is authorized only if an abnormal condition exists. Generally, the existence of exposed tree roots is not abnormal. However, if the exposed tree roots are encroaching on to the fairway, a Committee would be authorized to make a Local Rule providing relief under Rule 25-1 for interference from exposed tree roots when a ball lies on a closely-mown area. The Committee may restrict relief to interference for the lie of ball and the area of intended swing. (Revised)

 

[PhilTheFragger]

cant they cover the tree roots with 6 inches of soil and then returf, ok it will be GUR for 6 months,and leave an undulation. but should be ok for a few years after that.

 

[Foxholer]

As a matter of interest, how can that area be 'closely-mown' without damaging the roots (or mower) in the first place?!

I can certainly see where both the Rules/Decisions and the Club are coming from though! Seems like a small change to the Decision may be needed - or a separate one to cover the case where the area would be closely-mown, but is not, solely in order to avoid damage to the roots.

 

[backwoodsman]

As a matter of interest, how can that area be 'closely-mown' without damaging the roots (or mower) in the first place?!

I can certainly see where both the Rules/Decisions and the Club are coming from though! Seems like a small change to the Decision may be needed - or a separate one to cover the case where the area would be closely-mown, but is not, solely in order to avoid damage to the roots.

Ah, but... Who says the local rule is to protect the tree? Perhaps the rule is to prevent damage to clubs or injury to player by striking a solid object - much in the same ways as you often get relief from a surfaced path. An exposed root in a closely mown area is almost certainly damaged as much as it can be anyway.

 

[Foxholer]

Ah, but... Who says the local rule is to protect the tree? Perhaps the rule is to prevent damage to clubs or injury to player by striking a solid object - much in the same ways as you often get relief from a surfaced path. An exposed root in a closely mown area is almost certainly damaged as much as it can be anyway.

That's why I suggested the 'separate decision'. The current one is to enable golf to be played; an extended one would allow the tree to be protected - pretty much a requirement these days! Though there are certain trees that, like Eisenhower, I'd be happy to see disappear!