LOCAL RULES AT THE OTEPÄÄ GOLF COURSE
1) Out of bounds (rule 18.2)
The out of bounds is marked with white poles on holes 1, 3, 5, 9, 14, 17, 18. The edge of the out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground between the sides of the piles and the piles themselves are in out of bounds.
The fairway on the 18th hole is out of bound in relation to the 10 hole throughout.
2) Penalties (rule 17)
Penalty areas are defined by either red or yellow flags. The boundary of the penalty area is defined by a line on the ground between the sides of the stakes on either side of the pitch and extends to any part of the penalty area.
If the ball last crossed the boundary edge of the red penalty area on lanes 1, 4, 8, 9, it is possible to take a side clearance from the opposite side of the red penalty area from a point equidistant from the flag as far as the point of entry of the ball (local rule example B-2) as an additional clearance (adding one penalty stroke). From the penalty areas of holes 7, 16 and 17, as an additional exemption (by adding one penalty shot), it is possible to drop the ball in the drop zone marked DROP ZONE or DZ. The drop area is the exemption area as defined in rule 14.3.
3) Playing a provisional ball in the penalty area.
If a player does not know whether his ball is in the penalty area of the 9th lane, he may play a provisional ball as modified by rule 18.3. as follows:
A player may use the penalty-and-repeat shot release option (Rule 17.1.d(1)), the flag-line-back release option (Rule 17.1.d(2)) or the side release option from the opposite side of the red penalty area (Rule 17.1d(3)) to play a reserve ball. If the drop zone (local rule example E-1) is one of the possible options in this penalty area, the player may also use this option.
If a player has played a reserve ball under this rule, they cannot use any of the following Rule 17.1. appropriate options that apply to the original ball.
In deciding when a reserve ball becomes a ball in play or when a reserve ball is abandoned, Rules 18.3c(2) and 18.3c(3) shall apply except in the following circumstances:
If the original ball is found within the three-minute search time – the player can choose whether:
– play on the original ball which is in the penalty area (in this case, no spare ball is played). Shots made with the provisional ball before it is abandoned (including shots made with the provisional ball and penalty shots taken while playing with the provisional ball) do not count,
or play on to a provisional ball (the original ball is not played).
If the original ball is not found within the three-minute search time or if it is known or basically certain,
that the ball is in the penalty area – the provisional ball becomes the ball in play.
4) Pre-match venues
The preferred lie rule does not apply.
5) Abnormal ground conditions (i.e. immovable obstacles) (rule 16).
Repair areas are defined by blue stakes or a white (blue) line. Areas of bunkers where water has washed away sand are repair areas.
All sprinklers, distance signs, pavilions, “next road” signs, fences, etc. are mobile
obstacles.
The 9th hole stone wall is an integral part of the course.
The piles of branches in the penalty areas are an integral part of the course.
6) Dropping zones
As an additional exemption from the repair area on hole 16, a player may drop a ball into a drop zone marked DROP ZONE or DZ. The drop zone is the exemption area (rule 14.3).ext road” signs, fences, etc. are immovable obstacles. The 9th hole stone wall is an integral part of the course. The piles of branches in the penalty areas are an integral part of the course.
7) Animal damage
Damage caused by animals in the advancement area is a repair area and may be exempted under Rule 16.1b.
There is no exemption if the damage only prevents the player from hitting the ball.
8) All roads and tracks are obstacles
All paths and tracks on the course, even if not covered with artificial material, are obstacles and may be exempted under rule 16.1. As an additional relief option, the ball may be dropped into the nearest drop zone on 7th hole.
9) Concrete drainage channels
Drainage channels, which are of man-made materials and installed alongside roads, are immovable obstructions in the progress area and are considered part of the road and can be exempted under Rule 16.1b. Alternatively, a drop zone can be used if it is nearby. Penalty for breaking a local rule – see rule 4.3.
10) Rules for interrupting and resuming play
If the Committee announces an immediate stop of play in the event of an imminent threat, all players must stop play immediately and the player is prohibited from taking the next shot until the Committee resumes play. In case of danger, players are alerted by the signal with ONE LONG sound. For all other interruptions, three short beeps. In both cases, the resumption of the game is signalled by the sound of TWO SOUNDS. Penalty for breaking a local rule: A player will receive a general penalty for each lane where they break a rule. If the infringement occurs between two holes, it will be applied on the next hole.
If you have any questions about the local rules, please send them to the Otepää Golf & Country Club Rules Committee by e-mail REEGLID@OTEPAAGOLF.COM.
Have a good game!
