Thursday, March 31, 2016

Ask Linda #1277-Winter rules for specified holes

Dear Linda:

We have a ladies club at a public golf course in Southern California. Due to the diligent efforts of our groundskeeper, the course is in the best shape it has been in for years. During the late summer, the course is over-watered in some places and bare in others because we have an antiquated watering system that needs replacing. Unfortunately, that probably will not happen due to budget considerations. This year will be particularly bad because of the extreme drought conditions here.

Although most of the holes will be in condition to play summer rules (or play the ball down), a few are so bare they need to be played as winter rules (lift, clean, and place).
1. Is it against any rule to declare some of the holes to be played with the ball down and play others with lift, clean and place as long as the entire ladies club is made aware of which holes are which and all members play the course in the same way?
2. If it is not against any rules, I would assume these would be considered local rules. Is that correct?

Thank you for your opinion. I enjoy and value your answers to the many questions you receive!

Sincerely,
Lulu from California

Dear Lulu,

Permission to lift, clean, and place would be a Local Rule. The Committee may specify a particular hole or holes where the Local Rule is in effect. For a recommendation on how to word the Local Rule, please see Appendix I, Part A, #3b in the back of your rulebook.

Linda
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