McDonald Golf Club

Local Rules

1. Out of Bounds (Rule27)

A ball is out of bounds if it lies:-
1. Beyond any fence, wall or line of white posts bounding holes 1 to 18 (with the exception that the out of bounds posts bordering the left of the 4th. hole apply only to that hole.)
2. In the water or beyond the ditch on the left of the 6th. hole.
3. Beyond the line of white stakes bounding the Deacon Centre.


2. Water Hazards (Rule 26)

The burn crossing the 3rd, 4th. and 5th. holes and behind the 6th. green and crossing the 7th, 8th. and 9th.holes as indicated by yellow lines and stakes. The ball is defined as being in the water hazard when it is in the water of the burn. The banks of the burn are not water hazard.


3. Lateral Water Hazards (Rule 26)

The burn to the right of the 2nd, right and behind the 6th. hole and the drainage ditches to the right of the 2nd. and between the 6th. and 8th.holes, as indicated by red lines and stakes.


4. Immovable Obstructions (Rule 24-2)
1. All fence supports and steps.
2. While playing the 5th. hole, the out of bounds posts and the ditch on the left of the 4th. hole are to be treated as immovable obstructions.
3. All yellow 150 yd. markers.
4. The metal bridges at the 3rd. and 7th. Holes.
5. Young trees identified by spiral protectors or stakes.


5. Roads and Paths

For health and safety reasons all players must take relief from paths on the course under rule 24-2 with no penalty.
1. The path crossing the 17th and 18th Holes
2. The paths adjacent to the 1st tee, 3rd tee, 5th tee, 7th tee, 8th tee, 9th green, 16th tee, 18th tee
3. The path crossing the bridge on the 8th fairway.


6. Moveable Obstructions (Rule 24-1)

Stones in bunkers are to be treated as moveable obstructions.


7. Ground Under Repair (Rule25)
   
   1. Any area lined by white paint.
   2. Any area designated as ground under repair.
   3. Deep depressions made by tractors or greenkeeping equipment
   4. A ball coming to rest within one club length of any out-crop of rock.
   5. Areas where young trees have been planted in close proximity that are defined by blue stakes
   
   
8. Integral Parts of the Course (Rule 33-2)
1. All bridges other than 4d.
2. The internal walls crossing the 17th. and 18th. Holes.
3. The artificially surfaced area to the left of the 6th fairway


9. Playing the 7th hole



For your safety the following procedure is recommended when playing the 7th hole:-

On arrival at the green, if there is another group waiting on the tee, play the hole out, stand behind the protective fence and allow the other group to play before proceeding to the 8th tee. However if you are waiting on the 7th tee and are aware that there is another group driving at the 8th tee please wait until you hear the bell before driving.


10. Seeded Lies



The R & A have now removed the authority for a committee to make a local rule "providing relief without penalty from a divot hole or a repaired divot hole (i.e. filled with sand or seed mix)" as of 1st January 2010. Therefore the local rule for providing relief from seeded lies is withdrawn immediately. Such a local rule contravenes Rul 13-1 which states that a ball must be played as it lies.




11. Protection of Young trees

Protection of young trees identified by stakes or spiral protectors. If such a tree interferes with a player's stance or the area of his intended swing, the ball must be lifted, without penalty, and dropped in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Rule 24-2b (Immovable Obstruction).

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