Local Rules

University Golf Club Local Rules of Play

Play is governed by the Golf Canada Rules of Golf and, where applicable, by the following Local Rules and Terms of the Competition. Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for a breach of a Local Rule is the general penalty.

Out of Bounds (Rules 18.2) – Defined by the line between the course-side point at ground level of white line, white stakes and posts of fences defining out of bounds. A ball is out of bounds when it is beyond any wall defining the boundary of the course.

Specification of Clubs and the Ball – players must use Conforming clubs and Conforming Golf Balls. Model Local Rule G- 9 is in effect and a player may replace the club (when it is significantly damaged by normal use).
Pace of Play (Rule 5.6b(3)) – 4 hours and 20 minutes. When your group is over the allotted time and out of position with the group ahead of your group, your group will receive the warning. You must catch up the pace within next 3 holes.

Practice (Rule 5.5) – Model Local Rule I-2 is in effect – Between the play of two holes, a player must not

  • Make any practice stroke on or near the putting green of the hole just completed, or
  • Test the surface of that putting green by rubbing the putting green or rolling a ball.

Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions) – Areas defined by white lines as ground under repair, French drains filled with stones, Seams of Cut Turf and Cart-paths. All Flower Beds are Ground Under Repair and players must take relief under Rule 16.1 without penalty.

Protective Wire – Netting Fences and Guide Wires on holes #10 and #14 are immovable obstructions when interfering with player’s intended stance and/or intended swing or the ball lies between the netting and boundary fence, they may take free relief under Rule 16.1 (Note: A player may drop a ball on the fairway side of the netting within one club-length from the spot of complete relief and not nearer the hole without penalty.

Note: A player may not take relief under this Rule if interference by anything other than the obstruction makes the stroke clearly impracticable or interference from the obstruction occurs through use of a clearly unreasonable stroke or an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

Penalty Areas – Penalty areas are defined by red line on the ground and identified by the red stakes.

Immovable Obstruction Close to Putting Green (e.g., sprinkler heads) – Model Local Rule F-5 is in effect. A player may take relief under Rule 16.1b if an immovable obstruction is on the line of play, and is within two club-lengths of the putting green, and within two club-lengths of the ball.

Model Local Rule E-12 is in effect – When taking Back-On-the Line relief, there is no additional penalty if a player plays a ball that was dropped in the relief area required by the relevant Rule but came to rest outside the relief area, so long as the ball when played, is within one club-length of where it first touched the ground when dropped.

Model Local Rule D-7 is in effect – When a ball played from the putting green accidentally hits: the player / the club used by the player to make the stroke or an animal defined as a loose impediment (worms, insects and similar animals that can be removed easily), the stroke counts and the ball must be played as it lies.