• Clarifying Boundary When Using Wall, Road or Other Objects

A ball is out of bounds when it is beyond any wall, fence, hedge or line of white stakes defining the boundary of the course.
A ball lying out of bounds in private property may not be retrieved under any circumstances.

• Relief from Aeration Holes

If a player’s ball lies in or touches an aeration hole in the general area or on the putting green, relief may be taken under Rule 16.1.

• Protection of Young Trees

The young trees identified by stakes are abnormal course conditions. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1.

• Ball Deflected by Power Line

Model Local Rule E-11 is in effect for a ball that hits the power line, tower, support wires or poles supporting the power line on the 1st and 10th holes (stroke must be replayed).

• Defining Abnormal Course Conditions and Integral Objects

Abnormal Course Conditions (including Immovable Obstructions) (Rule 16)

5a. All course furniture and benches are classified as Immoveable Obstructions.5b. The lifebuoy situated in the red penalty area just short of the 1st and 10th green is an immoveable obstruction. If a ball lies in the penalty area, there is no free relief. A player whose ball lies outside the penalty area and in the general area, but whose stance or swing is affected by the post, may take free relief in accordance with Rule 16.1b. There is no relief for an immovable obstruction affecting the line of play other than when a ball lies on the putting green.5c. Both the Ropes and Posts used to close areas of the course for trolleys during the winter are Immoveable Obstructions.5d. Hoops protecting areas of the course are Moveable Obstruction.

• Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Greens

Immovable obstructions (Sprinkler Heads) close to putting green: In addition to the types of interference described in Rule 16.1a, when a ball lies in the general area, interference also exists if an immovable obstruction is: on the player’s line of play, is within two club-lengths of the putting green, and is within two club-lengths of the ball. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.(Exception – There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.)

• All Roads and Paths Treated as Obstructions

All roads and paths on the course, even if not artificially-surfaced, are treated as immovable obstructions from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.

• Prohibiting Use Of Motorized Transportation (Buggies)

During a Competition round, a player must not ride on any form of motorized transportation except as authorized or later approved by the Committee.

• Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which there is a breach of this Local Rule. If the breach occurs between the play of two holes, it applies to the next hole.

• NB: RGC Policy for Playing Down The Wrong Fairway on Holes 1st / 10th:

Although there are no internal OOB posts, players must not intentionally play down the incorrect fairway to gain an advantage. Players who find themselves on the fairway of hole 2 / 11 MUST play back to their own fairway with their next shot. Any player who is found to be on the incorrect hole or playing recklessly and putting others in danger may be asked to leave the course or will be subject to RGC’s disciplinary process.

• NB: Ball in a Penalty Area and Provisional Balls

When playing the 8th/17th holes – once it is known or virtually certain that the ball is in the penalty area (as it will be if the ball is not found in the general area), the player must proceed under Rule 17.1 and either play the ball (if found) as it lies or take penalty relief. At this point any provisional ball can no longer be played, either as the ball in play or a provisional ball. If it is played, the player has played a Wrong Ball (Rule 6.3c). Given the topography of the hole, it is fair to conclude that playing a provisional ball will have no effect as it will be disregarded whatever the outcome.

• NB: Dangerous Play

Players MUST shout fore should a golf ball stray towards other people or out of line of sight. Any p, not shouting fore when necessary or putting others in danger may be asked to leave the course or will be subject to RGC’s disciplinary process.