Local Rules (updated 3/10/2024)
1. Out Of Bounds
Out of Bounds is defined by the line between the course-side points at ground level of white stakes.
2. No Play Zones
Young trees identified by support stakes and/or protective wrapping are No Play Zones. If a player’s ball lies on or touches such a tree or such a tree interferes with player’s stance or area of intended swing, the player must take relief. Rule 2.4 applies.
3. Penalty Areas
All Penalty Areas are defined by Red Stakes. All roads and paths (excluding the bridle path) are treated as immovable obstructions from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. All bridges are within the Penalty Area.
4. Dropping Zones on holes 4,6 and 13
A player whose ball enters the Red Penalty Area on the green side and between the blue posts on Holes 4&6 (which are Movable Obstructions – Rule 15 applies), may take relief under Rule 17.1d. As a further option on Hole 4, 6 & also on Hole 13, when relief ‘no nearer the hole’ is not possible, the original ball or another ball may be dropped from the nearest dropping zone.
The Dropping Zones are identified by fixed reference points from which a one club length relief area is measured not nearer the hole. The reference points are Blue disks located front right and rear left of the green on hole 4, at front right, rear right and rear left on hole 6 and at rear left and rear right on hole 13. When dropping the ball Rule 14.3 applies
5. Immovable Obstructions
The Dropping Zone reference point disks, permanent winter tee mats and winter tee boxes with timber surrounds, the Halfway House and its paved surround are Immovable Obstructions. Rule 16 Applies
All fixed sprinkler heads are Immovable Obstructions. In addition a player may take relief under Rule 16.1b if an immovable obstruction is on the line of play and within two club-lengths of the putting green of the hole being played and is within two club-lengths of the ball.
6. Ground Under Repair
Areas defined by blue paint as Ground Under Repair are ‘no play zones’ that are to be treated as abnormal course conditions. Free relief MUST be taken from interference by the no play zone under Rule 16.1f
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF ANY LOCAL RULE – GENERAL PENALTY
Match Play – Loss of hole
Stroke Play – 2 strokes
Please read and comply with Health and Safety notices for the safety of yourself and others
Temporary Local Rules – General
Drainage Ditches
If a player’s ball lies on or touches a recently repaired drainage ditch on the 4th and 8th holes (whether turved, sanded or seeded) or such condition interferes with the player’s stance or area of intended swing:
a) Ball in General Area – The player MUST take relief under Rule 16.1f
b) Ball in Penalty Area – The player MUST take relief under Rule 17.1d
Recently Felled Trees
If a ball lies in the general area where a tree has been recently felled, the stump grinder used and the area made good or partially made good, or such condition interferes with the player’s stance or area of intended swing the player may take relief may in accordance with Rule 16.1b
Preferred Lies (MLR E3)
When any part of a player’s ball touches 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:
• Reference Point: Spot of the original ball
• Size of relief area measured from the Reference Point: 6 inches, (150mm) from the Reference Point but with these limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
o Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point
o Must be in the General Area
In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e
Penalty for Playing the Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Temporary Local Rule – General Penalty under Rule 14.7a

Members are also reminded that free relief from tractor or other tyre marks is NOT available unless a Temporary Local Rule is introduced, this will normally only be done when significant works are planned on the course and unusually heavy equipment is likely to cause exceptional damage. Members will be advised when such conditions are anticipated.