New Local Rule
Posted on: 10 April
Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club.
Optional Local Rule E.5
The implementation of optional local rule E.5 from Monday the 8th of April 2024 will provide an additional option for members where their ball is lost or out of bounds. We are implementing this rule to improve the golf experience for members and improve pace of play.
Members are reminded that the optional rule is not available if your ball is found during a search, or where you believe your ball is in a penalty area. In these circumstances players must proceed under the appropriate rule, rule 19.2 (Unplayable Ball) and rule 17.1d (Penalty area).
So, what are the current options?
Where you believe your ball may be lost or out of bounds, you may play a provisional ball under stroke and distance penalty. This option will still be available after 8/4/24.
What does optional local rule E.5 allow?
After 8/4/24 you will have an additional option to drop a ball adjacent to where it is agreed the ball was lost or crossed out of bounds, not nearer the hole, within 2 club lengths the nearest fairway cut edge. This option will carry an additional 1 shot penalty. This means that the relief is comparable to what could have been achieved if the player had taken stroke-and-distance relief. If for example you choose to use optional rule E.5 after your first shot, the next shot you play will be your fourth shot.
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If you elect to use E5 after this shot: |
Your next shot will be: |
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1 |
4 |
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2 |
5 |
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3 |
6 |
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4 |
7 |
|
5 |
8 |
Scrollable
However, if you exercise the option to play a provisional ball, you will not be able to use optional local rule E.5 in relation to that shot. You may use optional local rule E.5 for subsequent provisional ball/s if your provisional ball has gone out of bounds or may be lost.
Relief area diagrams – below
Where your ball is lost or OOB to the left or right of a fairway.
Where your ball is lost or OOB at the back of a green.
