As the course is now much drier generally, particularly the fairways. The Local Rule allowing Preferred Lies on closely mown areas is withdrawn with immediate effect. However, we recognise that some soft areas in the rough could result in a ball embedding in its own pitch-mark; consequentially the Local Rule allowing relief for embedded balls remains in force.
Regards
George Auterson
Chair of Competition & Handicap
Relief for Embedded Balls
Through the Green (including the rough)
A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground may be lifted, cleaned and dropped, without penalty, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green.
R&A Appendix 1 Part A 3a.
Clarification
The rules define ‘Through the Green’ as the whole area of the course except:
* The teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played.
* All hazards on the course.
Exception
A player may not take relief under this Local Rule if interference by anything other than the condition covered by this Local Rule makes the stroke clearly impracticable.