Local Rules @ Winterfield Golf Club

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There is a coastal path used by walkers beside the shore along the west and north sides of the course. This path goes along the left sides of the 1st, 13th, 14th and 15th holes. There is signage reminding walkers to take care and to allow golfers to play their shot. However, this isn’t always followed, and golfers are reminded they should not play their shot unless they are sure it is safe to do so.
The path itself is an immovable obstruction along the whole of its length. It is clearly defined with recently laid gravel. Free relief may be taken under Rule 16.1. This applies when the ball is on the path, or if the path interferes with the player's stance or swing.

Local Rules are detailed on the back of the Scorecard. Note in particular that all red posts marking penalty areas (around the shore beside the course) are immovable obstructions, with relief available under Rule 16.1. Also that free relief must be taken from any Ground Under Repair, which is marked by blue lines and/or stakes. This includes all of the steep banking at the 1st hole.

The Committee has deemed the length of wall about 100 yards inland from the 16th green and the 17th tee to be an integral object on the course. It is therefore part of the challenge of playing the course from which free relief is not allowed.

Where Preferred Lies (sometimes referred to as Winter Rules) are in operation this will be stated on the Notice Board underneath the clock by the 1st tee. If this applies, when the ball is on grass mowed to fairway length or less you may mark, lift and clean your ball, and you must then place it within 6 inches of its original spot, not nearer the hole.

Practice shots should NOT be made from the first tee into the sea. There is both a safety and environmental issue with this.

W.G.C. Committee.

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