July - 2016

Local Rules

What does that term mean to you, and why does it affect you?

As I've mentioned before, it's always a good idea when playing a different course to take a peek at their Local Rules, it can save you time and effort, knowing what's allowed and what isn't allowed.

The Local Rules, which are covered under RULE 33-8a, are established by the Committee to allow for various local abnormal conditions, as long as they are consistent with the policies established under APPENDIX I.

We have established at San Clemente a list of Local Rules, that are readily available on our website and on the wall above the posting computer in the pro-shop.

I know the Rules are not important to a lot of people, but sometimes they can help you keep your friends-your friends!

I was asked about the status of the fence on the right side of the 8th hole the other day, and evidently, some players had a disagreement as to how to proceed. Under our established Local Rules, #5 - WATER HAZARDS, the fence is treated as a IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTION.

24-2. Immovable Obstruction

a. Interference
Interference by an immovable obstruction occurs when a ball lies in or on the obstruction, or when the obstruction interferes with the player's stance or the area of his intended swing. If the player's ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an immovable obstruction on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt. Otherwise, intervention on the line of play is not, of itself, interference under this Rule.

b. Relief
Except when the ball is in a water hazard or a lateral water hazard, a player may take relief from interference by an immovable obstruction as follows:

(i)
Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the player must lift the ball and drop it, without penalty, within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief. The nearest point of relief must not be in a hazard or on a putting green. When the ball is dropped within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, the ball must first strike a part of the course at a spot that avoids interference by the immovable obstruction and is not in a hazard and not on a putting green.

      Derek Duesler