Local Rules
The Rules of Golf as authorised by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews shall apply together with the additional Local Rules made by the Committee under Rule 33.8a.
1. Out of bounds (Rule 27)
(a) Over any fence or hedge marking the course boundary.
(b) On or over the stone balustrade behind 9th & 18th greens.
(c) Beyond any boundaries marked with white posts.
2. Roads & paths (Rule 24-2)
All roads and paths with artificial surfaces are immovable obstructions and the player is entitled to relief without penalty.
3. Tractor and vehicle ruts (Rule 25-1)
Tractor and vehicle ruts are abnormal ground conditions and the player is entitled to relief without penalty.
4. Overhead power cables 10th & 18th holes
If a ball strikes an overhead power line or cable (including posts), the stroke is cancelled and the player must replay the shot (Rule 20-5 applies).
5. Stones in bunkers
Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies).
6. Deer hoofmarks
(a) Players may repair hoofmarks on greens.
(b) Player may lift and drop from a hoofmark in a bunker without penalty (as courtesy, players should rake affected bunkers for following groups).
(c) Through the green – no relief
7. Protection of young trees – compulsory drop under Rule 24.2b(i).
If a staked, taped or netted tree interferes with the players stance or the area of his intended swing the ball must be lifted, without penalty and dropped under Rule 24.2(i).
Penalty for breach of local rules:
Match play – Loss of hole;
Stroke play – Two strokes.
GOOD GOLFERS REPLACE DIVOTS, REPAIR PITCH MARKS, SMOOTH BUNKERS AND AVOID SLOW PLAY
Temporary Local Rules
WINTER RULES (when in play)
1. Preferred Lies
When a player’s ball lies in a 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:
A player must mark, lift, clean(optional) and place the ball within 6 inches (150mm) no nearer the hole in the general area.
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.
2. Aeration Holes
A player may obtain relief for a ball resting in an aeration hole on the green. Please mark your ball and replace on the nearest point immediately left or right that affords relief from the aeration hole.
3. Relief for an Embedded Ball in the General Area only
This is now a Rule of Golf and relief is allowed under rule 16.3 all year round. When taking relief, the ball may be cleaned but must be dropped in the General Area within 1 club length not nearer the hole.