THE 2023 RULES OF GOLF
The Rules of Golf can now be downloaded in app form from :
https://www.randa.org/rules/rules-app
They can also be viewed on the R & A Website :
https://www.randa.org/rules/rules-of-golf-home
The R & A currently have no intention of mass producing printed rules books and their advice is to download the app.
SKGC LOCAL RULES
Out of bounds
Out of bounds is defined by the line between the course-side points at ground level of white stakes and fence posts. Out of bounds is also defined by dykes on holes 10, 12 & 13. The car park is out of bounds.
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.
Protection of Young Trees
The young trees identified by stakes are no play zones:
- If a player’s ball lies anywhere on the course other than in a penalty area and it lies on or touches such a tree or such a tree interferes with the player’s stance or area of intended swing, the player must take relief under Rule 16.1f.
- If the ball lies in a penalty area, and interference to the player’s stance or area of intended swing exists from such a tree, the player must take relief either with penalty under Rule 17.1e or with free relief under Rule 17.1e(2).
Status of Practice chipping Green
The chipping green located between the car park and 18th green is a wrong green even when not in use and relief must be taken under Rule 13.1f.
Tee Mats
Where present, tee mats comprise the teeing ground. When starting a hole from a tee mat the player must play a ball from the mat. Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.” This local rule has been advised by the R&A.
14th Hole Drop Zone
If your tee shot(s) fail to cross the lake you have another penalty stroke option in addition to the stroke/distance rules. You may choose to drop a ball on the astroturf drop zone located to the right of the path en-route to the green and play what will be your 3rd , 5th , 7th stroke etc , depending on how many strokes you attempt from the main tee box. The ball MUST be played from off the astroturf area and may not be teed up. Please note while “preferred lies” are in operation you may place your ball within 6 inches no nearer the hole after first dropping your ball). Remember, this is an optional extra choice to the existing penalties.
Tree Roots
There have been occasions where exposed tree roots have impinged on players ability to safely play a shot.
We are therefore introducing the following local rule:
If a player’s ball lies in the general area and there is interference from exposed tree roots the tree roots are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.[But relief is not allowed if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance.
Goose dung
At the player’s option, goose dung may be treated either as