Local Rules

Retford Golf Club

Local Rules

2023

1. Defining course boundaries and other areas of the course

1.1 Out Of Bounds (Rule 2.1)

1.1.1  Out of bounds is defined by the line between the course side points at ground level of white stakes and fence posts and also by the course side of any boundary fence or hedge. Note  Definition of boundaries by hedge is not satisfactory and a programme of replacing these with white stakes is in progress.

1.1.2  The boundary alongside the 1st tee and at the back of the 18th green is defined by the inside edge of the green & gold posts.

1.1.3  During play of the 1st hole the area beyond the inside of the line of the white stakes is out of bounds

2.  Bunkers (Rule 12.1)

2.1 Any areas of sand that have been raked are considered to be part of a Bunker

2.2. Stones are loose impediments and may be removed without penalty.

2.3. Areas in bunkers where sand has been removed by the movement of water resulting in deep furrows through the sand are Ground Under Repair.

3.  Special or Required Relief Procedures

3.1. Dropping Zones

3.1.1. During play of the 8^th hole relief for a ball coming to rest on or beyond the path at the back of the green may be taken in the dropping zone at the left rear of the green marked with blue stakes.

3.2. Aeration Holes (Rule 16.1) When put in force by the Committee as a Temporary Rule if a ball lies on or touches in an aeration hole relief may be taken, without penalty,

3.2.1. through the green by dropping the ball as near as possible to where it lay but no nearer the hole. (Rule 16.1b)

3.2.2. On the green — place the ball (Rule 16.1d).

3.3. Cleaning the Ball When put in force by the Committee as a Temporary Rule, a ball in the general area cut to fairway height or less may be marked, lifted., cleaned and replaced on its original spot without penalty.

3.4. Preferred Lies When put in force by the Committee as a Temporary Rule, a ball lying in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less may be marked, lifted cleaned and placed within 6 inches not nearer the hole without penalty.

Note provision will be made for notification of temporary local rules being in force.

4.  Abnormal Course Conditions and Integral Objects

4.1. The following items on the course are defined as Immovable Obstructions (Rule 16.1)

4.1.1. Distance marker posts.

4.1.2. Internal fences protecting areas of the course.

4.1.3. Fixed furniture — seats, belts, tee markers and ball washers.

4.1.4. Winter tee mats and surrounding gravel areas.

4.1.5. Greenshed and maintenance compound. This is also a no play zone.

4.1.6. Steps into bunkers.

4.2. Paths and Roads (Rule 16.1)

All paths and roads on the course, even if not artificially surfaced, are treated as immovable obstructions from which relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. Note For the avoidance of doubt roads and paths which are not artificially surfaced will be recognised as areas where passing traffic has created wear of sufficient severity to create an abnormal course condition.

4.3. The chain between the out of bounds posts around the 18th green is defined as a moveable obstruction (Rule 15.2) and may be moved if interfering with swing or stance.

4.4. All areas of Ground Under Repair are no play zones and relief must be taken (Rule 16.1f).

4.5. Ground Under Repair includes exposed stones and rocks which cannot be readily removed in general areas cut to fairway height or less or within 2 club lengths of a fairway.

4.6. Young trees which are STAKED or BANDED are no play zones. If a player’s ball lies anywhere on the course other than 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 Rule 16.1f.

5. Restrictions on use of Specific Equipment

5.1. Motorized Transportation. During a round a player or caddie may not ride on any form of motorized transportation except where necessary as a result of old age of infirmity where authorised by the Committee.

6. Advice Givers

6.1. Where two players from the same team are playing together in the same group those players may ask for advice and receive advice from each other during the round.

7. Practice Areas The following areas of the course are permitted for practice before and between rounds.

7.1. The short game area to the right of the 1^st tee, for play away from the car park onto the putting area only.

7.2. The practice nets to the right of the 1^st tee