RACCOON CREEK GOLF CLUB
2019
Local Rules and Conditions of Competition
The Rules of the United States Golf Association govern Play. This “Hard Card” and any tournament/match specific “Conditions of Play” are supplements to the “The Rules of Golf 2019”. The committee whose, decision is final shall, shall settle questions. Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a local rule or condition is: Match Play—Loss of Hole, Stroke Play—two strokes.
Conditions of Play
Penalty Areas: Red Stakes/Lines define Penalty Areas. In the absence of lines or adequate stakes, the margin of the penalty area is determined by the natural break of the ground or mowing transition from rough to native grass surrounding the penalty area. (Rule 17)
Abnormal Ground Conditions: Defined by white lines. French Drains, cultivated flower beds and active nurseries are deemed to be Abnormal Ground Conditions whether or not marked. Relief is mandatory. Relief is one club length no closer to hole. Paved, gravel, hard packed cart paths and maintenance paths as well as sprinkler heads and in ground valve boxes are considered Abnormal Ground Condition and relief of one club length may be taken. (Rule 16.1). If not marked, relief is for the lie of the ball only when in a trench or new sod seam. Note: Green stakes with rope delineate no cart zones and do not define Abnormal Ground Conditions.
Staked Trees: Stakes and wires supporting new trees are immovable obstructions and relief of 1 club length may be taken. (Rule 16.1)
Lost Ball-Out of Bounds: A ball lost or out of bounds must be played under rule 18. A ball is deemed lost after 3 minute search (rule 18.2.a). Under rule 18, for a ball lost or out of bounds the player must add one stroke and play ball from where original stroke was made (rule 18.2.b). Optional Local Rule: to speed play see USGA Local Rule E-5 Linked Here:
Provisional Ball: A ball that may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds, to save time the player should play another ball provisionally under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 18.3, also see Rule 14.6). Player must announce words “provisional ball” and make clear he is proceeding under Rule 18.3. On holes 3, 6 and 11, player may also announce a provisional ball if unsure a ball is lost in a penalty area and would take stroke and distance relief (Rule 17.1.d.1) for the penalty area relief. If the original ball is located outside the penalty area the original ball must be played. If the original ball is found inside the penalty area, the provisional ball must be played.
Specific Hole Information
Hole 3: Note a provisional ball may be played if player is unsure ball is lost in penalty area. See Provisional Ball.
Hole 4: A drop zone is available for balls lost in penalty area in front of hole. Drop zone is on northwest side of lake at north end of tie retaining wall.
Hole 6: Note a provisional ball may be played if player is unsure ball is lost in penalty area. See Provisional Ball.
Hole 9: The lake areas on both sides of the fairway are penalty areas. The left side of the gravel maintenance path is considered penalty area from the end of the boundary fence to the junction with hole 16 fairway.
Hole 10: The native grass areas and hillside on right side of fairway are considered a penalty area.
Hole 11: The area on left where The maintenance yard and buildings reside is considered a penalty area. The left side of the gravel maintenance path and driving range fence is considered a penalty area. Note a provisional ball may be played if player is unsure ball is lost in penalty area. See Provisional Ball.
Hole 12: A drop zone is available for balls lost in the penalty area of the lake in front of the hole. This drop zone is not to be used for tee shots hit into lake or for balls lost in the creek portion of the penalty area. The drop zone is between the cart path and lake where the cart path transitions from asphalt to concrete.
Hole 13: A drop zone is available for balls lost in penalty area in front of hole. Drop zone is on right side of lake next to lake drainage pipe.
Hole 15: The driving range is considered a penalty area
Hole 16: Note out of bounds markers on left side of hole. These are to protect players on the driving range and the clubhouse. Penalty area on right side of fairway extends on right side of gravel maintenance path to junction with hole 9.
Hole 17: Out of bounds markers on left side of hole are applicable for hole 18 only. A drop zone is available for balls lost in penalty area in front of hole. Drop zone is on left side of lake on right side of cart path directly in front of red tee box.
Hole 18: Note out of bounds markers on left side of hole. These are to protect players on hole 17 tee boxes.
Important Notes
Score Posting: For handicap purposes the committee will post all applicable tournament/match scores to the GHIN system.
Second Ball: In stroke play only, when a player is doubtful of his rights or procedure, he may, without penalty play a second ball under Rule 20.1.c.3. The player must report the facts of the situation to the committee before returning the scorecard, even if player scores the same with both balls. Failure to do so results in disqualification.
Hole Out: In stroke play, all putts, regardless of length, must be holed out. If not corrected by replacing ball and holing out before teeing off on next hole the player will be disqualified. (Rule 3.3.c)
Obstruction in Penalty Area: No Relief
New 2019 Rules Reminders
- Drop from knee height
- Measure drop area with longest club in bag except putter
- Lost ball search time is 3 minutes
- No penalty for accidental double hit
- No penalty if ball accidentally hits you or equipment after a stroke
- Accidentally move ball while searching…replace w/o penalty
- Can leave flagstick in while putting
- Spike marks and other damage can be repaired on green
- Accidentally move ball on green…replace w/o penalty
- Ball marked/lifted/replaced on green is moved by wind, put ball back to original spot
- Penalty Areas replace Hazards. Can move loose impediments, ground club, and practice swings w/o penalty
- Can move loose impediments in bunkers
- In bunkers cannot touch sand with your club in the area right in of front or right behind your ball during backswing or practice swings
- Unplayable in bunker: Extra option to drop outside bunker for two penalty strokes.
- Embedded Ball: Through the General Area (not teeing ground, penalty areas, bunkers, putting green) a ball that is embedded in its own pitch mark, may be lifted and without penalty cleaned and dropped 1 club length from the embedded spot no closer to the hole.
March 11, 2019