Local Rules
To be read in conjunction with the Rules of Golf and Rules of the Day.
Rule 1
Staked Trees, Paths and Immovable Obstructions
If a staked tree, constructed path or immovable obstruction outside a penalty area interferes with a player’s stance or intended swing, the ball may be dropped, without penalty, within one club length of the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole, in accordance with Rule 16.1.
Rule 2
Course Signage, Fixtures and Obstructions
All course signage, fixed sprinkler heads, coiled hoses, the old greenkeepers’ shed, sewer vent pipe, manhole covers, drainage grates, all tee furniture including sand bins, waste bins, ball washers and seats, inset markers, tee markers, 150 metre discs on fairways, concrete sewer outlet right-hand side 13th hole, are immovable obstructions and relief may be taken as per Section 1.
All stakes, except Out of Bounds stakes, metal hoops and traffic posts are movable obstructions.
Rule 3
Immovable Obstructions Near the Putting Green
Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be obtained under Rule 16.1.
In addition, if a ball lies off the putting green but not in a penalty area, and an immovable obstruction on or within two club-lengths of the putting green and within two club-lengths of the ball interferes with the line of play between the ball and the hole, the player may take relief as follows:
The ball must be lifted and dropped at the nearest point to where the ball lay that:
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is not nearer the hole;
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avoids interference; and
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is not in a penalty area or on a putting green.
The ball may be cleaned when lifted.
Rule 4
Nursery - 4th Hole
The nursery at the beginning of the fairway is compulsory Ground Under Repair.
A ball may be dropped at the nearest point of relief without penalty, no nearer the hole.
Rule 5
Short Game Practice Area - 9th Hole
The practice facility is in play, with the exception of the green.
Relief from the green may be taken at the nearest point of relief without penalty, no nearer the hole.
Rule 6
Out of Bounds
The following areas are deemed Out of Bounds:
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right-hand side of the 1st fairway;
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behind the 6th green;
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left-hand side of the 8th green;
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right-hand side of the 9th hole, including the creek beside the short game facility;
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18th green surrounds;
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the car park;
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the clubhouse and its concrete/tiled areas;
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the greenkeepers’ compound;
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any dividing road, including the 4th hole.
A ball on or across a dividing road is deemed Out of Bounds.
Rule 7
Slow Play
Players may incur penalties under Rule 5.6, Unreasonable Delay and Prompt Pace of Play, and in accordance with the Club’s Pace of Play Policy.
The nominated ranger or Match officials have the final decision on the matter.
St. Michael’s promotes and asks all players to practise Ready Golf during every round. Players should hit when ready, and play does not need to be in order of furthest from the hole. Players should also putt out where practical to avoid unnecessary marking of the ball.
Course Markings
Ground Under Repair
White stakes and/or lines.
Out of Bounds
White stakes with black top.
Yellow Penalty Area
Yellow stakes.
Red Penalty Area
Red stakes.
Flag Colours
Red
Front
White
Middle
Yellow
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