Local Rules

Local Rules

Temporary Local Rules for Copt Heath Golf Club

Effective 21st February 2026

1. Preferred Lies (Model Local Rule E-3)

When any part of a player’s ball touches part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area.

Reference point: Spot of the original ball.

Size of relief area measured from Reference Point: No greater than 6 inches from the reference point, but with these limits:

Limits on Location of Relief Area:

Must be not nearer the hole than the reference point, and

Must be in the general area

2. Relief from Tree Roots in or Close to Fairway (MLR F-9)

If a player’s ball lies in the general area and there is interference from exposed tree roots that are part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, or in the rough within 4 club-lengths from the edge of the area cut to fairway height or less, the tree roots are treated as Ground under Repair.

The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.

But relief is not allowed if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance.

Members are also reminded that Rule 16.1 continues to allow relief from animal holes. Areas of damage which have been repaired will continue to be marked as Ground under Repair.

3. Extensive Damage due to Heavy Rain and Traffic (MLR F-4)

A ball coming to rest in areas of unusual damage caused by green-keeping traffic (e.g. tractor ruts) will be classed as being within Ground under Repair (GUR). As such, relief should may be taken under rule 16.1.

4. Mark, lift, clean and replace the ball on the original spot (MLR E-2)

Where ground conditions are causing mud to stick to the ball, a player is able to mark, lift, clean and replace their ball on the original spot anywhere throughout the General Area.

David Payne
Hon. Competition Secretary

Green Etiquette