Local Rules

Information for visitors

The following Local Rules will apply to all of R.C.G. Guadalmina’s courses unless specific local rules have been established for an event, in which case these rules will be applied supplementally.

The full text of the rules can be found in the current edition of the Golf Rules published by the Real Federación Española de Golf.

OUT OF BOUNDS

(Rule 27) Defined by walls, fences, white lines or stakes defining the boundaries of the course, and any part of the course so marked by the Committee.

Notes:

Where out of bounds is defined by white stakes or fence posts (excluding angled supports) the line joining the nearest inside points at ground level of such stakes, posts, fences, etc. defines the boundary. A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds.
Where both stakes and lines are used to indicate the out of bounds, the stakes identify the out of bounds and the line defines the boundary.
Where any continuing or adjoining white line is in existence it defines the boundary. A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds.
Where out of bounds is defined by a wall, the nearest inside face at ground level of such wall defines the boundary.
A ball which crosses a public road defined as out of bounds and comes to rest beyond that road is out of bounds, even though it may lie on another part of the course.

WATER HAZARDS

(Rule 26) (Including Lateral Water Hazards). Water Hazards are defined by yellow stakes or lines. Where yellow lines are in existence they define the margin. Lateral Water Hazards are defined by red stakes or lines. Where red lines are in existence they define the margin.

ABNORMAL GROUND CONDITIONS

(Rule 25)

All areas indicated by GUR or TR notice.
All areas bounded by blue or white lines, or blue stakes.
French drains (stone-filled drainage ditches).
Seams of cut turf – Page 134.

EMBEDDED BALL

Relief extended to "through the green" - Pages 131 - 132.

MOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS

(Rule 24-1) Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions - Page 134.

IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS

(Rule 24-2) White or blue lined areas adjoining any areas defined as immovable obstructions are to be regarded as part of the obstruction and not GUR.

IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS CLOSE TO PUTTING-GREEN

Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be obtained under Rule 24-2. In addition, if a ball lies off the putting green but not in a hazard and an immovable obstruction on or within two club-lengths of the putting green and within two club-lengths of the ball intervenes on the line of play between the ball and the hole, the player may take relief as follows:

The ball must be lifted and dropped at the nearest point to where the ball lay that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids intervention and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. The ball may be cleaned when lifted.

Relief under this Local Rule is also available if the player’s ball lies on the putting green and an immovable obstruction within two club-lengths of the putting green intervenes on his line of putt. The player may take relief as follows:

The ball must be lifted and placed at the nearest point where the ball lay that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids intervention and (c) is not in a hazard. The ball may be cleaned when lifted.

INTEGRAL PARTS OF THE COURSE

All sand or soil surfaced paths, even with gravel on their surface.

PERMANENT ELEVATED CABLES

If a ball strikes an elevated power line or cable, the stroke must be cancelled and replayed, without penalty (see Rule 20-5). If the ball is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

Exception: A stroke that results in a ball striking an elevated junction section of cable rising from the ground must not be replayed.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULES

(But for those assigned with their own penalty)
Match play: Loss of Hole - Stroke play: Two strokes

NOTE: he active or passive use of mobile phones during the stipulated round may constitute a breach of Rule 6-7, and the player may be penalised according to that Rule. Furthermore, when disturbing other players, it is a breach of the Rules of Etiquette that can be assessed as a serious breach of these Rules leading to the player’s disqualification under Rule 33-7.

NOTE: PREFERRED LIES (WINTER RULE)

The rule known as “Winter Rule” or “Preferred lies” is not in effect, unless it is explicitly announced. When the rule comes into effect in Guadalmina, the player must proceed as follows:

A ball lying on a closely-mown area through the green 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 THE LENGHT OF A SCORE-CARD 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 is 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, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

Note: “Closely-mown area” means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.

*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of this Local Rule, no additional penalty under the Local Rule is applied.

DAMAGES BY ANIMALS

Damages from wild boars ( wild pigs ) will be considered as GUR ,or abnormal course conditions, despite they have not been marked as such.

RULES 18-2, 18-3 AND 20-1 ARE MODIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.

This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental. Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circunstancies is replaced.