This content was first published in Golf Journal, a quarterly publication printed exclusively for USGA members. Being among the first to get Golf Journal and learn how to provide a strong future for the game, Become a member of the USA today!
We all know that golf, like other sports, has a number of rules that govern. But have you ever heard the term “local rule” and wondered what you mean?
There are 25 rules set out in current golf rules – but this is not the end of the story. There are 90 or more “local model rules” authorized for use as needed, usually depending on the presentation of the golf course, current conditions, maintenance practices or other specific factors for the course or a competition.
;)
Usga
The decision whether any local rules will be implemented is taken from the “Committee”, who is the person or group responsible for a special competition or course. In the context of the random, everyday game, this person or group changes according to the course, but often includes the profession of golf and/or supervisor. Local rules in use on a course can be communicated in different ways, but are often found on the score card or posted somewhere in the club.
Have you ever hit your ball in the water in a par 3 and then threw another ball into a falling area? The concept of a falling area is a local rule (specifically, the local E-1 rule model).
Have you ever shown in a golf course and you have been told that “favorite lies” are in effect for the day? This is the model of local E-3 rule, commonly used when straight road conditions can affect the right game (eg, due to difficult weather conditions).
Some other visible local rules include the alternative to stroke and distance for golf balls that lose or out of bounds, relief from soda stitches, and relief from immovable barriers (such as spraying heads) near the placement of the greens.
Are you interested in looking at all the rules of the local model? They can be found within the official guide for golf rules, which you can access free of charge in the USA Mobile Golf Application or in usga.org/rules.
