Rules of Golf 2012-2015 Pocket Edition - The R&A

126
Appendix I
(b) In a Hazard: If the ball is in a hazard, the player must lift the ball and
drop it either:
(i) Without penalty, in the hazard, as near as possible to the spot
where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, on a part of the
course that provides complete relief from the ESA; or
(ii) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping the
point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot
on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind
the hazard the ball may be dropped. Additionally, the player may
proceed under Rule 26 or 28 if applicable.
(c) On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green, the player
must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, in the nearest position to
where it lay that affords complete relief from the ESA, but not nearer
the hole or in a hazard.
The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Clause III of this Local Rule.
Exception: A player may not take relief under Clause III of this Local Rule
if (a) interference by anything other than an ESA makes the stroke clearly
impracticable or (b) interference by an ESA would occur only through use of
a clearly unreasonable stroke or an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or
direction of play.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
Note: In the case of a serious breach of this Local Rule, the Committee
may impose a penalty of disqualification.”
3. Protection of Young Trees
When it is desired to prevent damage to young trees, the following Local
Rule is recommended:
“Protection of young trees identified by ______. If such a tree interferes
with a player’s stance or the area of his intended swing, the ball must be
lifted, without penalty, and dropped in accordance with the procedure
prescribed in Rule 24-2b (Immovable Obstruction). If the ball lies in a