New local rule implementing on Thursday (8/13)
/With the deterioration of the fairways, the men's club board has decided to implement a local rule for the rest of the season - preferred lies in your own fairway with a limit of one club length.
If you are unfamiliar with this rule, here's a summary:
1. Where It Applies
Allowed: Only in the general area cut to fairway height or less. This includes the fairway itself and green fringes/aprons.
Prohibited: You cannot use this rule if your ball rests in the rough, bunkers, penalty areas, or on the putting green.
2. How to Take Relief
Identify the Spot: While the USGA notes marking is not strictly mandatory by the rule text, you should mark the original spot with a tee or coin to prove your new position is legal.
Lift and Clean: You may lift the ball and clean off any mud or debris.
Place the Ball: You must place the ball (do not drop it) inside the designated relief area.
Distance Limit: The specific distance is determined by the local committee—in our case, one club-length.
The Golden Rule: The new spot must not be any closer to the hole than the original spot.
3. Key Restrictions
One-Time Placement: Once you place the ball and it comes to rest, it is officially "in play". You cannot pick it up or adjust it again unless another rule allows it.
Ball Moves on Its Own: If the ball rolls or moves due to wind or slope after you have safely placed it and let go, you must play it from its new position without penalty (unless it rolls into a prohibited area or closer to the hole, in which case you replace it).
