Rule of the Week
Preferred LiesAs the Winter conditions have slowly crept up on us and Local Rules coming into effect, there have been many questions from members seeking clarification on the "Preferred Lies" rule. More specifically, Preferred Lies on 'closely mown' areas in the general area of the course.
To further explain this Local Rule, the GFGC Committee have taken wording from the R&A Rules of Golf to ensure advice that we give are within the 'Rules of Golf' and ensures all competition scoring is correct, valid and not in violation of the governing body. So whilst this rule is in place, please ensure you abide and be guided by the following definition of the rule. Rule 8: Model Local Rules
E: Special Relief Procedures E-3: Preferred Lies Purpose of Rule: When temporary abnormal conditions might interfere with fair play, the affected parts of the course can be defined as ground under repair. But adverse conditions such as prolonged rains or extreme heat can sometimes damage the course or prevent use of heavy mowing equipment.
When such conditions are widespread on the course, the Committee can choose to adopt a Local Rule for "preferred lies" to allow fair play or help protect some or all fairways. Such a Local Rule should be withdrawn as soon as conditions allow. Local Rule: When a player's ball lies in the general area cut to fairway height or less, the ball may be lifted, cleaned and replaced without penalty. The player must mark the spot of the ball before lifting it (see Rule 14.1) and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (see Rule 14.2).
Definition: 'fairway height or less' is a closely-mown area in the general area of the course that is cut to fairway height or less and includes paths cut through the rough and the fringe/apron around the green. If the ball does not lie on a closely-mown area, the player cannot take a preferred lie. |
Ball MarkingWhen the Growling Frog Golf Course Committee implement the Local Rule of Preferred Lies, Rule 14 of the Rules of Golf must be followed to ensure the procedure is done correctly, without rule infringement.
Rule 14: Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting and Cleaning; Replacing on Spot; Dropping in Relief Area; Playing from Wrong Place
Purpose of Rule: Rule 14 covers when and how the player may mark the spot of a ball at rest and lift and clean the ball and how to put a ball back into play so that the ball is played from the right place.
When a lifted or moved ball is to be replaced, the same ball must be set down on its original spot. When taking free relief or penalty relief, a substituted ball or the original ball must be dropped in a particular relief area. A mistake in using these procedures may be corrected without penalty before the ball is played, but the player gets a penalty if they play the ball from the wrong place. Key Procedures to Note
14.1 Marking, Lifting and Cleaning Ball This Rule applies to the deliberate “lifting” of a player’s ball at rest. This may be done in any way, which includes picking up the ball by hand, rotating it or otherwise deliberately causing it to move from its spot. 14.2 Replacing Ball on Spot This Rule applies whenever a ball is lifted or moved and a Rule requires it to be replaced on a spot. 14.3 Dropping Ball in Relief Area This Rule applies whenever a player must drop a ball in taking relief under a Rule, including when the player must complete taking relief by placing a ball under Rule 14.3c(2). If the player improves the relief area before or when dropping a ball, see Rule 8.1. 14.6 Making Next Stroke from Where Previous Stroke Made This Rule applies whenever a player is required or allowed under the Rules to make the next stroke from where a previous stroke was made (such as, when taking stroke-and-distance relief, or playing again after a stroke that is cancelled or otherwise does not count). |
Unplayable BallAs we will have all experienced an Unplayable Ball situation, especially at The Frog, many people do not know the correct way to get relief within the Rules of Golf.
This section sets out the rule, the options you have for relief, and how to apply them without rule infringement. Rule 19: Unplayable Ball
Purpose of Rule: Rule 19 covers the player’s several relief options for an unplayable ball. This allows the player to choose which option to use – normally with one penalty stroke – to get out of a difficult situation anywhere on the course (except in a penalty area).
Key Procedures to Note
19.1 Player May Decide to Take Unplayable Ball Relief Anywhere Except Penalty Area A player is the only person who may decide to treat their ball as unplayable by taking penalty relief under Rule 19.2 or 19.3. Unplayable ball relief is allowed anywhere on the course, except in a penalty area. If a ball is unplayable in a penalty area, the player’s only relief option is to take penalty relief under Rule 17. 19.2 Relief Options for Unplayable Ball in General Area or on Putting Green A player may take unplayable ball relief using one of the three options in Rule 19.2a, b or c, in each case adding one penalty stroke. 19.2/1 No Guarantee Ball Will Be Playable After Taking Unplayable Ball Relief 19.2/2 Ball May Be Dropped in Any Area of the Course When Taking Unplayable Ball Relief 19.2/5 Player Must Find Ball to Use Back-on-the-Line or Lateral Relief Options 19.2a Stroke-and-Distance Relief 19.2b Back-on-the-Line Relief 19.2c Lateral Relief 19.3 Relief Options for Unplayable Ball in Bunker 19.3a Normal Relief Options (One Penalty Stroke) 19.3b Extra Relief Option (Two Penalty Strokes) |