Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a Local Rule or Condition is: Match Play - Loss of Hole; Stroke Play - Two Strokes
Local rules on course score cards or bulletins are not in effect unless mentioned by a rules official at a starting hole or during announcements prior to competition.
1. Out of Bounds -
When the inside edge of a road or curb defines out of bounds, a ball that crosses such boundary is out of bounds even though it may
lie on another part of the course.
2. Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards - Rule 26
Water hazards are defined by yellow lines.
Lateral Water Hazards are defined by red lines.
3. Abnormal Ground Conditions - Rule 25
Ground Under Repair
A. Areas completely encircled with white lines
B. French drains filled with stones
C. Seams of turf - Page 109
D. Fire ant mounds or beds
4. Embedded Ball Through the Green - Page 107
Through the green, a ball that is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground may be lifted, without penalty, cleaned and dropped
as near as possible to where it lay but not nearer the hole.
5. Aeration Holes - Page 109
Through the Green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as
possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole.
On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole that
avoids the situation.
6. Stones in Bunkers - Page 110
Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies).
7. Distance-Measuring Devices - Page 116
For all play, a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. If, during a stipulated round, a
player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g.
gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of
whether any such additional function is actually used.
8. Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA)
An ESA is an area so declared by an appropriate authority, entry into and/or play from which is prohibited for environmental
reasons. If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in an ESA defined water hazard or lateral water
hazard, the player must, under penalty of one stroke, proceed under Rule 26-1.
9. Integral Parts of the Course
A. Wrappings, wires, and other objects when closely attached to trees.
B. Artificial walls, pilings and split rail fences
10. Permanent Elevated Power Lines or Cables
If a ball strikes a permanent elevated power line or cable, the stroke must be cancelled and replayed, without penalty (see Rule 20-
5). If the ball is not immediately recoverable another ball may be substituted.
