Golf Rules Explained: Local Rules
Given that it is played on a wide open natural landscape, the rules of golf need to cover a whole host of different scenarios to keep the game as equitable as possible. The are 24 different rules in total but each golf course will also have its own set of laws, called Local Rules. In this video and article, rules guru Jeremy Ellwood looks at what Local Rules are for and covers some of the most common elements that every golfer should be aware of.
The Local Rules for each course are usually written on the back of the scorecard and you will also find them on club noticeboards and websites. For the most part, they tend to focus on features that are unique to the particular course you’re about to play. For instance, there might be a road that runs parallel to a part of the course that could be either out of bounds or an immovable obstruction. The local rules on the back of the scorecard will explain exactly how areas like this are to be treated and whether on or over the road designates out of bounds.
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
Probably the most common Local Rule surrounds preferred lies. As many golf courses get wet during the winter months, this Local Rules allow for players to mark their ball, pick it up, clean it and find a good lie within six inches of where it was initially sitting (or another distance specified, sometimes the length of a scorecard or occasionally even a club-length). These are often also referred to as winter rules. Likewise, it is not uncommon for Local Rules to offer relief from temporary conditions like staked trees or open drains.
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
Another common (but certainly not ever-present) Local Rule relates to sprinkler heads near greens. Under the Rules of Golf you only get relief from a sprinkler head if it directly affects your lie, the line of your intended swing or your stance. However, many clubs adopt a Local Rule that allows relief to be taken if a sprinkler head within two club-lengths of the green lies directly on your line and your ball is within two…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly RSS Feed…