Temporary Local Rules

Latest Update : 10th December 2025

Preferred Lies MLR-E-3

1.1  When any part of a player's ball touches part of the general area cut to fairway height or less the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in, and playing it from, this relief area: 

• Reference Point: spot of the original ball;
• Size of relief area measured from reference point: 6 inches from the reference point but with these limits: 
  • the ball must not be nearer the hole than the reference point; and 
  • the ball must be in the general area.

1.2   In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e. But, for the purposes of applying Rule 14.2e, the player has only chosen the spot on which to place the ball once the ball has been set down, and the player has let the ball go with the intent for that ball to be in play. 

1.3   After a ball has been placed and is in play under this Local Rule, if the player then proceeds under another Rule that provides relief, this Local Rule may be used again. 

1.4   The penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of a Local Rule: the General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.

Cleaning Ball MLR-E-2

2.1    When a player's ball lies in the general area, the ball may be lifted, cleaned and replaced without penalty. The player must mark the spot of the ball before lifting it (see Rule 14.1) and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (see Rule 14.2).

2.2    Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.

Permanent Local Rules

A. Out of Bounds (Rule 18)

1. Beyond any hedge bounding the Course, or the nearest points at ground level of any boundary fence or line of stakes indicating Out of Bounds.

2. Stakes are boundary objects.

3. The paths behind the 9th and 18th greens, and both practice putting greens, are Out of Bounds.

B.  Obstructions (Rule 16)           

1. All paths, except those behind the 9th and 18th greens, are immovable obstructions.

2. Wooden shelters, the halfway house, and all fixed sprinkler heads, are immovable obstructions.

3. Staked trees are immovable obstructions.

C.  Red Penalty Areas (Rule 17) 

1. The margins of the penalty areas are defined by RED LINES.

2. Stakes are used to show where the penalty areas are.

D.  Abnormal Course Conditions (Rule 16) - Ground Under Repair

These areas are defined by WHITE LINES, and relief may be taken under Rule 16.1.

E.  Penalty for Breach of Local Rule

The General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.