Local Rules

The “Local Rules” are designed to speed up play and define areas of questions where stakes are not present. They will be used in all RCGC tournaments. Please follow the applicable USGA rule for procedures and steps when executing said rule. If in doubt during tournament play finish the hole playing two balls. Record both scores then present the case to the tournament committee before turning in your score card for the round. 

Reminder:

The rules below may be Changed, Modified, added to, or not allowed during selected tournaments. It is up to you to read the tournament information sheet prior to starting your round to determine what rules are in place or not allowed.

Penalty Areas

* Play the rule that applies to the color of the stake defining the penalty area. 

* The ditch running across the 9th fairway although defined as a penalty area is to  be played as a free drop with no penalty.

Options for Out of Bounds/Lost Ball not in a Penalty Area

Option 1 - Play another ball from the previous location adding a 1 stroke penalty.

Option 2 - Take a drop adding a 2-stroke penalty using the following procedure.

2.1 Determine the location the ball went out or was lost.

2.2 Locate the nearest edge of the fairway. Drop within 2 club lengths.

If you hit a provisional

* If your original ball is out of bounds or lost, Option 2 is not available and the  provisional becomes the ball in play. 

* If the provisional is also out of bounds or lost, then you may apply option 2. The  penalty strokes should be added to the count including the provisional shot.

Pick-up Rule

* Allowed once you have reached a gross score of triple bogey.

* Place a “P” next to the hole score (ex. P10). It will be the first tie breaker so if

you do not place a “P” you will be disqualified from the competition.

* If you pick up on more than 1 hole, you are not eligible for flight awards. 

* Apply the applicable penalty strokes to the accumulated count from where you

picked up.

Pick-up Rule Penalties

* If the ball is located on the green  Add 2 strokes.

* If the ball is off the green but within 20 yards  Add 3 strokes.

* If the ball is off the green and beyond 20 yards  Add 4 strokes.

Bunkers/Sand Traps

* You may Lift, Rake, and Replace your ball for any type of irregularities or  damage unless it was cause by you then there is no relief, and the ball must be  played as it lies.

Special Option to drop outside the bunker.

* This rule is allowed only after you have made at least 1 attempt to hit it out. 

* Drop outside the bunker within 2 club lengths at a point outside the bunker  keeping the bunker between the drop location and the hole.

* All strokes previously taken in the bunker count, and you must add 2 additional  strokes to your accumulated count for taking the drop option.

Free Relief

* Free relief is allowed for the following conditions.

* Roots

* Fallen Branches/Tree

* Piles of debris accumulated during course clean up, wind or storm damage.

* Areas not marked but your group all agree relief is appropriate.

* Ball lost in a wet or swampy area.

Note. The above do not apply to a ball located in a penalty or wilderness area.

Free Relief for damaged putting Green

* Damage to the green interfering with a putt

* Damage on the green interfering with the landing/rollout of a  pitch/chip

Drop Areas

* For the following holes if no drop area is defined use these locations.

* Hole #3 - Nearest grass area right of the cart path just across the bridge

* Hole #5 - Green Side of the creek, 2 club lengths across from point of

entry

* Hole #7 - Nearest grass area left of tree on the right near the creek.

* Hole #13 - Nearest grass area left of the cart path just across the bridge.

* Hole #14 - Lower tee box near the bridge