MAJOR RULES OD GOLF CHANGES 2008

Rule 12-2. Identifying Ball -- Amended to allow a player to lift his ball for identification in a hazard (see corresponding change to Rule 15-3, removing the exemption from penalty for playing a wrong ball in a hazard).


Rule 15-3. Wrong Ball -- Amended to remove the exemption from penalty for playing a wrong ball in a hazard (see corresponding change to Rule 12-2, allowing the player to lift a ball for identification in a hazard).

Rule 16-1e. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt -- Exception added to apply no penalty if the act was inadvertent or to avoid standing on another player's line of putt; previously authorized by Decision only.

Rule 19-2. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment -- Amended to reduce the penalty in both match play and stroke play to one stroke.

Rule 24-1. Movable Obstruction -- Amended to allow a flagstick, whether attended, removed or held up, to be moved when a ball is in motion.


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LOCAL RULES 2006
            

• Out Of Bounds (Rule 27)
   All Boundary Fences, Which Include The Newly Erected “Pig” Fences
   White Ob Stakes On The Right Of #2, 3,11,And 12
   White Ob Stakes On Left Of #1 And 7
   You Must Replay From The Original Point – One Stroke Penalty
   If You Replay From The Tee Box, You May Tee Up Your Ball
   There Is No Relief From Stakes Or Fences Defining Out Of Bounds

• Water Hazards (Rule 26)
  Canal On #11 And #12 Fairways
  (1) You May Drop Ball Behind Hazard, Keeping The Point At Which The Ball Last Crossed The Hazard Directly Between The Hole And The Spot On Which The Ball Is Dropped, With No Limit As To How Far Back You May Go – One Stoke Penalty
  Or (2) Replay From The Spot From Which Original Ball Was Played – One Stroke Penalty
  If You Replay From The Tee Box, You May Tee Up Your Ball
   
• Lateral Hazards (Rule 26-1c)
  Red Stakes Right Of #1, 2 And 9
  (1) Ball May Be Played From Hazard Without Grounding Club – No Penalty
  Or (2) Drop Ball Within Two Club Lengths From Where Ball Last Entered Hazard, No Nearer Hole – One Stroke Penalty
  (3) You May Also Choose One Of The Two Options For Water Hazard As Above
   
• Immovable Obstructions (Rule 24-2)
  All Cart Paths And Rocks Defining The Cart Paths
  Concrete On #14 And #15;Gravel Based Ditch On #10 And #14; Metal Pipe Left Side On #2; Worn Out Wooden Drain Covers To Right Near Ob Stakes On #12
  Staked Trees
  Steel Towers
  Fairway Markers (Yellow– 250 Yd, Blue-200 Yd, White-150 Yd, Red 100 Yd)
  Sprinkler Heads
  If Any Of The Above Obstructions Interfere With Player’s Stance Or Swing, The Ball May Be Dropped Within One Club Length From The Nearest Point Of Relief, No Near The Hole - No Penalty
   
• Moveable Obstructions (Rule 24-1)
  150 Yard Poles Are Moveable Obstructions
  You May (1) Remove The Pole Before You Make Your Shot Regardless Of The Distance You Are From It
  If The Ball Hits The Marker, You Must Play It As It Lies
   
• Overhead Wires
  Ball Striking Overhead Wires Must Be Replayed
   
• Steel Towers
  Ball Striking Towers Is In Play
   
• Ground Under Repair (Rule 25)
  The Bark Ground Cover Around Trees And Pig Rooted Areas
  All Roped Off Areas
  Ball May Be Dropped To Nearest Point Of Relief No Nearer The Hole – No Penalty
   
• Temporary Greens
  Player Must Putt Out On All Temporary Greens
   
• Large Rocks
  Rocks Defining The Boundary Of The Course, Left Of Green By The Road On Hole #2 And Right Of Green By The Road On Hole #3
  Must Play Ball As It Lies Or Treat As An Unplayable Ball
   
• Sprinkler Heads Near Green
  When Sprinkler Heads Are Within 2 Club Lengths From The Green And Within Two Club Lengths From The Ball Interfere With The Line Of Play.
  Ball May Be Dropped Within One Club Length From The Nearest Point Of Relief, No Nearer The Hole Nor Onto The Green - No Penalty
  Ball May Be Cleaned When Lifted
   
• Winter Rules When Posted
  o Mark Ball’s Position Before You Lift, Clean And Replace The Ball Within 6” Of Original Position No Nearer To The Hole
   
• Distance Measuring Devices
  Players May Obtain Distance Information By Using Devices That Measure Only Distance. Devices That Measure Other Conditions That Might Effect Play, Such As Wind-Speed, Temperature Etc, Are Not Allowed Regardless To Whether These Features Are Used.
  Upon Request Information Obtained From These Devices Must Be Shared With Other Players

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