1. OUT OF BOUNDS
i) Beyond any boundary fence
ii) Surfaced areas surrounding clubhouse as marked with white markers
2. ABNORMAL COURSE CONDITIONS
(INCLUDING GROUND UNDER REPAIR, IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS AND NO PLAY ZONES)
i) Any area marked GUR or surrounded by a white line is ground under repair (rule 16.1)
ii) Cart paths, sprinkler heads, manhole covers, drainage gullies, irrigation controlbox coverings, electrical power boxes, fairway markers, tee stones, steps to tees and toilets are treated as immovable obstructions. Relief may be taken (Rule 16.1)
iii) All staked trees are no play zones. Player must take relief under rule (16.1)
3. PENALTY AREAS
i) Yellow - As marked by yellow posts or a yellow line
ii) Red - As marked by red posts or a red line
4. PENALTY AREAS
PENALTY AREAS: 1ST & 6TH LOWER AND 6TH AND 9TH MIDDLE - PROVISIONAL BALL
The penalty areas on 1st & 6th Lower and on the 6th & 9th Middle are of such a size that it may be impracticable and time-wasting to determine if the ball is in the penalty area. In accordance with the Rules of Golf, Dun Laoghaire Golf Club introduced in 2017 (for 1st Lower & 9th Middle) and since amended to include two additional holes (i.e.6th Lower & Middle) a Local Rule (Model 8 B-3) whereby:
If there is a doubt whether a ball is in or is lost in the penalty area on the above holes, the player may play another ball provisionally under any of the applicable options in Rule 18.3.
- If the original ball is found outside the penalty area, the player must continue play with it.
- If the original ball is found within the penalty area, the player may either play the original ball as it lies, or continue with the ball played provisionally.
- If the ball played originally is not found or identified within the three minute search period, the player must continue with the ball played provisionally.
5. Local Rule – Autonomous Mowers / Robotic Course Equipment
Autonomous mowers and robotic course-maintenance equipment are deemed to be outside influences and, when stationary, obstructions under the Rules of Golf.
A) Ball in Motion Strikes an Autonomous Mower
If a player’s ball in motion accidentally strikes an autonomous mower or other robotic course-maintenance equipment, there is no penalty. The ball must normally be played as it lies from where it comes to rest.
This follows Rule 11.1, which provides that where a ball in motion accidentally hits a person, animal, equipment or other outside influence, there is no penalty and the ball is normally played as it lies.
B) Ball at Rest Moved by an Autonomous Mower
If it is known or virtually certain that a player’s ball at rest has been moved by an autonomous mower or other robotic course-maintenance equipment, there is no penalty.
The ball must be replaced on its original spot. If the exact spot is not known, it must be estimated.
This follows Rule 9.6, which deals with a ball moved by an outside influence.
C) Ball Damaged by an Autonomous Mower
If a player’s ball is damaged by an autonomous mower during the play of a hole, the player may substitute another ball only where it can be clearly seen that the original ball is cut or cracked.
A ball may not be substituted merely because it is scratched, scraped, discoloured, or has paint damage. Where substitution is permitted, the substituted ball must be placed on the original spot, or estimated spot if the original spot is not known.
This follows Rule 4.2c, which allows substitution only where the ball is cut or cracked and the damage occurred during the hole being played.
D) Stationary Autonomous Mower Interfering with Ball, Stance or Swing
Where a stationary autonomous mower interferes with the lie of the player’s ball, the player’s area of intended stance, or the player’s area of intended swing, the mower is treated as an obstruction.
Where the mower can be readily moved, it may be moved without penalty. If the mower cannot readily be moved, or should not be moved for safety or operational reasons, the player may take free relief under Rule 16.1 as for an immovable obstruction.
Free relief is taken by dropping the original ball or another ball within one club-length of the nearest point of complete relief, no nearer the hole, and in the same area of the course. Rule 16.1 provides free relief where an immovable obstruction interferes with the lie of the ball, stance or swing.
6. The Club reserves the right to amend, remove or add to these local rules at any time in which event any such changes will be posted here and on the notice boards in the Clubhouse.