Local Rules
Local rules are the local rules of a facility that supplement the general Rules of Golf for the respective course.
The rulebook of the R&A and USGA applies worldwide, but every course has its peculiarities: protected areas, unusual obstacles, roads crossing the hole or young tree plantings. For this, clubs issue local rules, officially called "Local Rules". They are printed on the scorecard, posted in the clubhouse or on info boards at the first tee. Typical contents are dropping zones at water hazards, relief from paths and ground under repair as well as the alternative rule for lost balls and out of bounds.
In practice, local rules decide about penalty strokes. Example: your ball lands next to a freshly planted row of trees marked with stakes. The local rule declares the row a protected area; you get a free drop at the nearest point of complete relief. Without the local rule you would have to play the ball as it lies or declare it unplayable. Conversely, a local rule can restrict cart driving to paths or close certain areas completely.
The typical mistake is never reading the local rules. They apply only on this course, change seasonally and are binding in case of doubt. Anyone who putts from the main green in frosty conditions although the local rule prescribes the winter green violates the rules and damages the course. Ten seconds looking at the scorecard before the round save you discussions and penalty strokes.
FAQ
Where do I find a facility's local rules?
They are printed on the scorecard, posted in the clubhouse or on info boards at the first tee. A quick look before the round is enough — local rules apply only on that course, change seasonally and are binding in case of doubt.
What happens if I don't know or ignore the local rules?
You risk penalty strokes and, in case of doubt, damage the course as well. Anyone who plays on the main green in frosty conditions although the local rule prescribes the winter green violates the rules and damages the surface. Ten seconds of reading before the round save you discussions and penalties.
What do local rules typically regulate?
Common contents are dropping zones at water hazards, relief from paths and ground under repair as well as protected areas such as freshly planted rows of trees. If your ball lands in such a protected area, thanks to the local rule you often get a free drop instead of having to declare the ball unplayable.