CHIANGMAI SOCIAL GOLFERS LOCAL RULES

These rules are the only exceptions to the Rules of Golf as
approved by R&A Rules Limited.

ALL COURSES

1. DROP ZONES – Club outings will abide by the local rules of all the courses played. If not stated as compulsory in local course rules, or if there are no designated drop zones, then the Rules of Golf apply e.g., play from the line of entry into the hazard no closer to the hole.

When dropping a ball in a drop zone, or after hitting a ball into water & having to drop, hold the ball at shoulder height & arm's length & then drop.

The options for dropping a ball after hitting it into a water hazard are as follows:
a. Drop a ball behind the water hazard as far back as you like, keeping the point at which the ball entered between the hole & the spot on which the ball is dropped.
b. Play another ball from which the original ball was last played.
c. Or drop a ball 2 club lengths outside the hazard, no nearer the hole at the point where the ball last crossed the hazard.

2. LOST BALL – If a ball is lost and a provisional ball has not been played, to speed up the game rather than returning to the previous position of playing the ball (stroke and distance) a player may drop a ball at a spot where the ball is deemed to have crossed the line of entry into the hazard or unusual condition but not on the fairway for a two stroke penalty.

3. STAKED TREES - The USGA/R&A book have no rule for this. However the USGA/R&A has a recommendation that a local rule can be made to protect young trees, i.e. We will follow the local rules set by each golf course. If the course has not made a local rule for this, then the trees have no protection, so you play it as you find it or take an unplayable lie according to rule 28.
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4. TEMPORARY CONDITIONS – During the wet season it may be necessary to grant temporary relief from conditions that might interfere with proper playing of the game, including mud and extreme wetness, warranting relief for an embedded ball anywhere on the fairway or permitting lifting, cleaning and replacing a ball (preferred lies) on a closely-mown area around the green. Should such conditions arise PLAYERS WILL BE ADVISED BEFORE THE START OF THE ROUND. Before lifting the ball a player must mark its position. Having lifted the ball he must place it in a spot within six inches of and not nearer the hole than where it originally lay, that is not in a hazard and not on a putting green. If the player fails to mark the position of the ball before lifting it or moves the ball in any other manner, such as rolling it with a club, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

LANNA

5. Lanna Hole 6 - The waste area to the left of this fairway is not OB usual rules apply, if you cannot play out of the drain take a drop no closer to the hole for a penalty shot.  
Hole 7 - Bouganvillea Shrubs in centre of fairway supported by cement stakes - free drop.

6. Plugged Ball - Relief given without penalty when ball is on the fairway or on the closely mown area around the green. Anywhere else play it as is or take a penalty drop.

7. Preferred Lies and Winter Rules

Occasional local abnormal conditions that might interfere with fair play and are not widespread may be defined as ground under repair ("The Rules of Golf," Rule 25).

However, adverse conditions such as prolonged rains or extreme heat can make fairways unsatisfactory and sometimes prevent use of heavy mowing equipment. When these conditions are so general throughout a course that the committee believes preferred lies or winter rules would promote fair play or help protect the course, the following Local Rule is recommended:

"A ball lying on a closely mown area through the green [or specify a more restricted area, e.g., at the 6th hole] may be lifted without penalty and cleaned. Before lifting the ball, the player must mark its position. Having lifted the ball, he must place it on a spot within [specify area, e.g., six inches, one club-length, etc.] of and not nearer the hole than where it originally lay, that is not in a hazard and not on a putting green.

A player may place his ball only once, and it is in play when it has been placed (Rule 20-4). If the ball fails to come to rest on the spot on which it was placed, Rule 20-3d applies. If the ball when placed comes to rest on the spot on which it is placed and it subsequently moves, there is no penalty and the ball must be played as it lies, unless the provisions of any other Rule apply.

If the player fails to mark the position of the ball before lifting it or moves the ball in any other manner, such as rolling it with a club, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke.

 The Racecourse 9 holes (Course 3) and in particular the holes within the centre of the racetrack. The fairways are lined with white stakes on either side particularly holes 6,8 & 9 and you are only allowed to play on your fairway, meaning that if you are outside the white stakes you must return your ball to your own fairway no closer to the hole and take a penalty drop.

MAE JO

To clarify a couple of local rules:-

Hole 4 - the tree area down the left hand side of the fairway is considered a hazard, you may either play from where the ball landed ( remember practice swings and the actual shot, your club should not touch the ground - penalty shot if it does) ..or ..take a one shot penalty drop. Drop your ball two club lengths to the right of the path, parallel to where you ball lay in the hazard.

Hole 15 - Both sides of the fairway ( Tangerine trees ) and down the right side of the dog-leg again are considered a hazard and should be treated the same as the 4th Hole drop your ball parallel to where you ball lay in the hazard. All penalty drops should not be nearer the hole. Hose's, spades, rakes, motorbikes, bottles etc are part of the hazard and cannot be moved !!!

Hole 5 -If you hit your ball into the creek on the left, either hit the ball as it lies, or 1 shot penalty at point of entry. The drop zone on the right of the fairway only applies to balls hit into the "jungle" on the right.

Free Relief

If you want relief for your ball, it must be as per the rules of golf another player in your group should also witness the process, otherwise it is a foul shot and subject to penalty under the rules.

Putting Out

Rules - If you are playing in the competition and you want your score to count there are no “give me” puts, you must put out.

Changing the Ball on the Green

In regard to the question of changing the ball on the putting green all replies so far are negative. Therefore, you must play with the ball you start with unless you lose it or declare it unfit for play. If declare it unfit for play, you must give your marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to examine the ball and observe the lifting and placing of the ball.

Rule 5-3. Ball Unfit for Play
A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked or out of shape. A ball is not unfit for play solely because mud or other materials adhere to it, its surface is scratched or scraped or its paint is damaged or discoloured.