PREFERRED LIES.
When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief by placing the original ball within 6 inches from the spot of the original point, no closer to the hole. The player MUST mark the spot before lifting the ball.
FAIRWAY MATS IN USE
When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area CUT TO FAIRWAY HEIGHT OR LESS, the use of fairway mats is COMPULSORY. The mat must be positioned as close as possible to where the ball lay, no closer to the hole. The ball must be lifted, and the ball placed onto the mat and the ball played from that position. Mats may be used on the teeing ground. When putting off the green, balls may be played without the requirement to use the mat, in which case the preferred lies rule applies.
A mat may be held down with a tee peg, but the ball MUST not be placed on the tee peg. The whole of the ball MUST be on the mat.
ROPES and STAKES.
The ropes and their supporting stakes used to protect the course from excessive wear are deemed immovable obstructions and MUST NOT BE MOVED. If when playing a stroke, a player’s ball strikes either the ropes or post which is between them and the green, they may disregard the stroke and play another ball. If the ropes and stakes interfere with the area of intended swing or stance, the player may take relief.
MISCELLANEOUS COURSE DAMAGE.
Throughout the general area all course renovation works, including drainage disruption, damage caused by tyre marks, vehicle tracks and heavy equipment are to be treated as ground under repair (GUR). If a player’s ball lies in such a condition or, if such a condition interferes with the players stance or area of intended swing, the player may take relief.
MUD ON THE BALL.
In the general area a ball with mud adhering to it, may be lifted, cleaned and replaced on the spot without penalty.
Definition of the GENERAL AREA
The area of the course that covers all the course except for defined areas.
- The teeing area you must play from in starting the hole you are playing.
- All penalty areas
- All Bunkers
- The putting green of the hole you are playing to.