Local Rules

Local Rules.

Last updated: 31/10/25

  1. Out of Bounds (rule 18)

Beyond any wall, fence, hedge or line of white stakes defining the boundary of the course, inc. the wire fence to the left of the 18th hole, the fence bounding the clubhouse patio, and the garden

Note: where out of bounds is defined by a fence or line of white stakes, the line joining the nearest inside points at ground level of such stakes or any inside fence support posts (excluding angled supports) defines the boundary

A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies beyond such a line

On the 16th, 17th, 19th and 26th holes a ball coming to rest on or beyond Ruffet Road is out of bounds, even if it comes to rest on another part of the course that is in bounds for other holes

  1. Penalty Areas (rule 17)

Penalty Areas are defined by yellow or red stakes and/or lines

  1. Abnormal Course Conditions (rule 16)

Ground Under Repair is defined by:-

  1. a) any area encircled by a white line, or a sign marked “GUR”

  2. b) the flower beds to the left and behind the 18th green, in front of the 9th tee and behind the 4th tee are to be treated as GUR from which play is prohibited

Immovable Obstructions:-

a) all artificially-surfaced roads and paths on the course

b) sleepers within bunkers and elsewhere on the course except when the ball is at rest in a penalty area

The player has an extra option to take relief when such immovable obstructions are on or close to the putting green and on the line of play:

Ball in General Area: The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b  if an immovable obstruction is:

  • On the line of play, and is:
    • On or within two club-lengths of the putting green, and
    • Within two club-lengths of the ball

But complete relief must be taken, which includes both physical and line of play interference

Exception - No Relief If Line of Play Clearly Unreasonable

  • There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable

Young Trees identified by artificial stakes or artificial wrapping are no play zones

  • If a player's ball lies anywhere on the course other than in a penalty area and it lies on or touches such a tree or such a tree interferes with the player's stance or area of intended swing, the player must take relief under [
  1. Drop Zones

11th hole

If a player’s ball is in the lake surrounding the 11th green, including when it is known or virtually certain to be in that penalty area even though not found, the player has these relief options, each for one penalty stroke:

  • The player may take relief under Rule 17.1, or
  • As an extra option, the player may drop the original ball or another ball in the dropping zone - the dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3

16th hole

Check the terms of the competition BEFORE using the Drop Zone on the 16th hole

If the terms of the competition allow it and a player’s ball is in the lake in front of the 16th green, including when it is known or virtually certain to be in that penalty area even though not found, the player has these relief options, each for one penalty stroke:

  • The player may take relief under Rule 17.1, or
  • As an extra option, the player may drop the original ball or another ball in the dropping zone - the dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3

 

Temporary Local Rules.

Last updated: 22/07/26

GROUND UNDER REPAIR

  • All drainage work is to be treated as GUR
    • Relief may be taken under Rule 16.1b – this only applies to the position of your ball and not your stance
  • Tracks made by Greenkeepers equipment
  • The two bunkers behind the 21st Green (on the Badminton course)
  • The ground surrounding the pond on the 2nd hole

TREE STUMPS

  • Those that are cut off at ground level may be treated as Ground under Repair and free relief may be taken under rule 16.1b

BUNKERS

  • Areas in bunkers where sand has been removed by the movement of water resulting in furrows through the sand are GUR
  • Hard pan areas in the bunkers created by water damage can also be deemed GUR

Relief from both cases may be taken by dropping in the bunker at the nearest point of relief – Rule 16.1c

OUT OF BOUNDS

  • The left hand side of the 1st hole (Hollows Course) defined by white posts and a white line is out of bounds

BUNKERS FILLED WITH TEMPORARY WATER

  • Any bunker marked as GUR is ground under repair in the general area
  • It is not treated as a bunker during the round
  • The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b
  • All other bunkers on the course, whether they contain temporary water or not, are still bunkers for all purposes under the Rules

HOLLOWS COURSE, 1st HOLE – REPAIR TO OLD CART PATH 

  • All soil spoil on the old path to the right of the hole is to be treated as ground under repair
    • Free drop, nearest point of relief back on the 1st hole
    • Do not drop on the 9th hole

  • RELIEF FROM CRACKS IN THE GROUND

    • Cracks in the ground in the general area cut to fairway height or less are ground under repair. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. Relief is not allowed if the crack only interferes with the player's stance.

  • RELIEF FROM DRAINAGE CHANNELS AND IRRIGATION PIPES

    • Channels in the ground in the general area cut to fairway height or less, where clearly caused by a drainage ditch or irrigation pipe, are ground under repair. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. Relief is not allowed if the crack only interferes with the player's stance.