Members,

“Preferred Lies” local rule is in effect. This rule is only to allow you to remove any accumulated mud from your ball in the fairway, not to gain any advantage from a poorly played stroke.

Local rule: Preferred Lies:- mark, lift, clean and re-place

* applies to areas mown to fairway height only (Note: excludes ‘the rough’, bunkers, penalty areas or “hazards”)

* the ball is to be placed within one ball of the original (marked) location 

* if taking relief under another rule (penalty area relief, relief from a NPZ, constructed paths, temporary water etc.) the ball may be cleaned and placed (not dropped) – once only – within the relief area. Once placed, the ball may not be lifted again. 

* cannot be nearer the hole, and must be in the general area (you cannot move it onto the green from the fringe). With the exception of back of line relief, the ball must remain within the relief area.

* it is not compulsory to lift or clean – you can play it as it lies if there is no mud on the ball.

(**Preferred lies is not an acceptable excuse for slow play)

Penalties –

• failure to mark your reference point before lifting – 1 stroke
• lifting a ball a second time – 1 stroke
• failure to place it within one ball of the original spot after lifting – 2 strokes (playing from the wrong place)

Playing from the WRONG PLACE (closer to hole / more than 1 ball width) – 2 penalty strokes

Green pegs, Steel ‘pig-tails’ & yellow ropes have been placed to protect the course – relief may be taken if the rope / peg interferes with your STANCE OR SWING. You may step over them to play your stroke from within the roped off area.

Please don’t take your buggy or cart inside the ropes. 

Remember it is “mark, lift, clean and replace” not drop – just as you would on the green – unless you are applying a different rule. 

Pace of play could be an issue while this local rule is in place if member’s do not take affirmative steps to maintain their place in the field.

• Get to your ball quickly and be ready to play
• Play a provisional if you didn’t see where it went
• Mark, clean and replace quickly if you are applying the local rule
• This local rule will not be an acceptable excuse for slow play

It is always your responsibility to keep pace with the group in front – not just ahead of the group behind!

Course conditions will be re-assessed regularly, so please check for any notices.

• Winter Cart & Ride-on rules apply.
• Please be mindful of where you take your buggies, carts and ride-ons.
• Avoid steep slopes, and heavily trafficked / trampled areas near greens, at the end of paths or between holes.
• Avoid driving within 10 metres of, or anywhere near the approach side or up slope in front of ANY green.
• Do not drive carts (and where possible do not take buggies) between greens and nearby hills or bunkers as these paths will become compacted and muddy 
• Where they are available, all buggies and carts should utilise the paths.

Thank you.

Match Committee

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