Local Rules

Stock Brook The Country Club
LOCAL RULES – OCTOBER 2022

1. Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2)

1. The practice area.
2. Beyond any boundary fences, hedges or white posts. The hedge to the right of the 9th fairway is considered a boundary hedge.
3. In the car park, the clubhouse and its paved surroundings.
4. Any ball that comes to rest to the right of the pathway that runs along the right-hand side of the 2nd hole, will be determined as “out of bounds”. If a ball comes to rest on the path, free relief can be taken. The reference point for relief being the nearest point to the left of the path, no nearer the hole. The relief area shall be within one club length (or one club plus stance for left-handed golfers).
5. When playing the 11th, on or beyond the 8th fairway, including the green through to the hedge behind the green, as signified by white posts.
6. In or beyond the brook on the left of the 12th hole past the last footbridge, as signified by white posts.

2. Penalty Areas (Rule 17)

Penalty areas are indicated by red or yellow stakes.

The boundary of the penalty area is defined by the break of the ground into the pond or ditch.

When playing the 4th hole: Anyone hitting a ball in the water, in front of the green or bridge has the additional option to use either of the 2 drop zones, in front of the ladies’ tee or to the left of the bridge.

For a ball landing in the water beyond the bridge or into the ditch to the right of the green a ball can be dropped for a 1 shot penalty in the nearest dropping zone.

When playing the 7th hole: Anyone hitting a ball into a red penalty area has the additional option to drop a ball for 1 penalty shot in the nearest dropping zone.

Dropping zones are defined as being within two club lengths of the dropping zone post in any direction.

Provisional ball when playing the 4th, 9th, 12th & 13th hole: (Model Local Rule B-3)

If a player does not know whether their ball is in the penalty area due to the character of the penalty area they may play a provisional ball under Rule 18.3, which is modified in this way;

In playing the provisional ball, the player may use the stroke and distance relief option, the back on the line relief option, play again from where the previous stroke was played, or the dropping zone relief option. If it is in a red penalty area, the lateral relief option.

Once a player has played a provisional ball under this rule, they may not use any further options under Rule 17.1 in relation to the original ball. When original ball found in penalty area within three-minute search time the player may choose either to; (a) continue to play the original ball as it lies in the penalty area, or (b) play the provisional ball. When original ball is not found within three-minute search time the players provisional ball becomes the ball in play.

3. Abnormal Course Conditions (Rule 16)

1. Immoveable Obstructions include;
2. All artificially surfaced pathways and all parts of the watering system.
3. 2nd Hole – Concreted area behind green: As an additional relief option a player may drop a ball in the dropping zone situated to the left of this area.

Ball in General area:

The player may take relief if an immovable obstruction is; On the line of play and is within two club lengths of the putting green and within two club lengths of the ball.

Unhealed Drainage Channels, Cuts, Ruts, Cracks, Aeration Holes or Seams of Cut Turf, are deemed to be Ground Under Repair from which relief may be taken under Rule 16.1. If Aeration holes or Seams of cut grass only affect a player’s stance there is no relief.

Ground Under Repair will be marked with a white line and relief may be taken unless these areas have been marked “No Play Zones” when relief must be taken.

Protection of young trees – No Play Zone. Young trees defined by stakes or wrapping are No Play Zones

All stacked logs are wildlife habitats and classified as Immoveable Obstructions. Free relief is allowed if your ball touches or is in or on the immoveable obstruction. Free relief is allowed if the immoveable obstruction interferes with your stance or area of intended swing. Relief – 1 club length, no nearer the hole

Use of Buggies is permitted in competitions, unless specifically excluded under the rules of the competition.

Penalty for Breach of Local Rules

Unless otherwise determined by a Rule of Golf – Breach of Local Rule; General Penalty

• Stroke Play: 2 Strokes
• Match Play: Loss of Hole

These Local Rules should be read in conjunction with any temporary local rules or winter rules which may be applicable.