BOB PHELPS
OGA Rules Director
FROM THE OGA RULES DIRECTOR
The Rules of Golf versus Local Rules In conversations at tournaments and at the course, I am frequently questioned regarding the applicable rule covering a variety of situations. Rule 1.3a defines the meaning of “Rules” as: 1) Rules 1-24 and the Definitions in these “Rules of Golf”, and 2) Any “Local Rules” the committee adopts for the competition or the course. It is Part 2 of this definition that seems to create confusion among golfers at all levels. In all competitions, the Committee may choose to adopt a variety of Local Rules for the competition. Ideally your course professional will have published Local Rules governing casual play at your course as well. Rule 1.3b(1) follows by clearly stating that players are responsible for applying the Rules to themselves. It is the player’s responsibility to know the Rules, including knowing what Local Rules have been adopted for the competition or course. Below are a few Local Rules that have led to some of the confusion. By far, the biggest misconception with the “modernized” rules is that a player can now estimate where that player’s ball went
GOLF OKL AHOMA • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020
out of bounds or is lost, drop a ball in the fairway nearest to the estimated spot, and play on getting a two-shot penalty. This is not a Rule but a much-publicized Local Rule introduced in 2019. While I personally support its implementation for casual play, this Local Rule is not recommended for competition and is not used in any OGA competition. Another commonly used Local Rule that is not in The Rules of Golf and must be adopted by the committee is granting line of play relief for immovable obstructions (irrigation heads) located within two club lengths of the putting green. Other Local Rules in use that many mistakenly believe are in the Rules of Golf are: 1) The One-Ball Rule which restricts players to using the same brand and type of ball, 2) The TIO Rule which grants line of play relief for temporary immovable obstructions, and 3) Prohibiting practice between holes in Stroke Play. Yes, you can practice putting or chipping on near the green of the hole just completed unless this Local Rule is adopted. The Modernized Rules have created
further confusion by moving some previous Local Rules to the Rules of Golf. A few examples include: 1) Distance Measuring Devices are now allowed unless prohibited by Local Rule, 2) players are now entitled to relief for an embedded ball in the General Area instead of just areas cut to fairway height, and 3) players can now remove stones from bunkers without the use of a Local Rule. There are obviously more examples. What I sincerely hope to convey is the importance of knowing the difference between the Rules of Golf and Local Rules. A comprehensive list of Local Rules that can be adopted by committees can be found in Committee Procedures of the Official Guide, at www.usga.org or in the free USGA Rules of Golf app. I recommend becoming familiar with the various Local Rules that are not in play unless specifically adopted by the committee. The next time you play in a tournament, please read the Local Rules sheet provided to all competitors, it may just save you from getting a penalty.
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