Local Rules

These local rules should be read in conjunction with the Rules of Golf.

​

Effective from February 2026

 

Unless otherwise stated, the penalty for breach of a local rule is the general penalty:

 

• Stroke play: two strokes

• Match play: loss of hole

​

1. Out of Bounds - Rule 18.2

​

A ball is out of bounds if it lies in or beyond the perimeter of the course, as defined by any ditch, fence, hedge or white posts.

Where out of bounds is defined by fixed posts, those posts are treated as fixed and relief without penalty is not allowed.

If a ball is hit out of bounds, stroke and distance relief must be taken with the addition of one penalty stroke.

​

2. Penalty Areas - Rule 17

​

Penalty areas are marked with red posts.

The margin of the penalty area is defined by the top edge where the ground breaks to create the depression containing the water. Relief should be taken from the margin indicated by the stakes and may sometimes include the reeds.

​

Wooden edges are not part of the penalty area.

​

All bridges crossing penalty areas are part of the penalty area and relief without penalty is not allowed.

If it is known or virtually certain that a ball is in a penalty area, relief may be taken under Rule 17.1 with the addition of one penalty stroke.

​

3. Abnormal Course Conditions - Rule 16

​

Relief without penalty is allowed from any abnormal course condition in any area of the course except a penalty area.

If your ball lies in or on such a condition, or if it interferes with your area of intended stance or swing, relief without penalty is allowed.

​

Any area encircled with a continuous white line, blue posts or appropriate signage is a No Play Zone from which relief without penalty must be taken.

​

These include flower beds, chipped areas, and trees identified with stakes or animal protection sleeves.

​

Immovable Obstructions - Rule 16.1

​

Immovable obstructions include:

• Any artificially surfaced path or track

• 150-yard marker posts

• Approaches to bridges, including pillars outside the margins of the penalty area

• All irrigation equipment

• Flotation safety devices

 

Relief without penalty is also allowed for intervention on the line of play from any immovable obstruction within two club lengths of the putting green when the ball also lies within two club lengths of that obstruction.

 

Ground Under Repair - Rule 16.1

​

Ground under repair includes:

• All tyre tracks that are more than faint impressions

• Newly turfed or seeded areas, but not divots

• Goose damage on putting greens

• Cracks in the ground in the general area

 

Relief is allowed from the lie of the ball, but not from your stance.

​

4. Wrong Greens - Rule 13.1

​

Relief without penalty must be taken from any putting green not in play, including temporary or winter greens.

​