APPENDIX I.
LOCAL RULES (RULE 33-8) AND CONDITIONS OF THE COMPETITION
Part A: Local Rules
As provided in Rule 33-8a,the Committee may make and publish Local Rules for local abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policy set forth in this Appendix. In addition,detailed information regarding acceptable and prohibited Local Rules is provided in “Decisions on the Rules of Golf ” under Rule 33-8.
If local abnormal conditions interfere with the proper playing of the game and the Committee considers it necessary to modify a Rule of Golf,authorisation from the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews must be obtained.
1-. Defining Bounds and Margins.
Specifying means sed to define out of bounds,water hazards,lateral water hazards,ground under repair, obstructions and integral parts of the course (Rule 33-2a).
2-. Water Hazards
a. Lateral Water Hazards. Clarifying the status of water hazards which may be lateral water hazards (Rule 26).
b. Provisional Ball. Permitting play of a provisional ball for a ball which may be in a water hazard of such character that if the original ball is not found,there is reasonable evidence that it is lost in the water hazard and it would be impracticable to determine whether the ball is in the hazard or to do so would unduly delay play. The ball shall be played provisionally under any of the available options under Rule 26-1 or any applicable Local Rule. In such a case,if aI provisional ball is played and the original ball is in a water hazard,the player may play the original ball as it lies or continue with the provisional ball in play,but he may not proceed under Rule 26-1 with regard to the original ball.
3-.Areas of the Course Requiring Preservation;
Environmentally-Sensitive Areas
Assisting preservation of the course by defining areas, including turf n rseries,young plantations and other parts of the course under cultivation,as “ground under repair ” from which play is prohibited.
When the Committee is required to prohibit play from environmentally-sensitive areas which are on or adjoin the course,it should make a Local Rule clarifying the relief procedure.
4-Temporary Conditions -Mud,Extreme Wetness,Poor Conditions and Protection of Course
a. Lifting an Embedded Ball,Cleaning
T
emporary conditions which might interfere with the proper playing of the game,including mud and extreme wetness,warranting relief for an embedded ball anywhere through the green or permitting lifting,cleaning and replacing a ball anywhere through the green or on a closely-mown area through the green.b. “Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules ”
Adverse conditions,including the poor condition of the course or the existence of mud,are sometimes so general, particularly during winter months,that the Committee may decide to grant relief by temporary Local Rule either to protect the course or to promote fair and pleasant play. Such Local Rule shall be withdrawn as soon as the conditions warrant.
5-.Obstructions
a.General
Clarifying the status of objects which may be obstructions (Rule 24). Declaring any construction to be an integral part of the course and,accordingly,not an obstruction,e.g.,built-up sides of teeing grounds,putting greens and bunkers (Rules 24 and 33-2a).
b.Stones in Bunkers
Allowing the removal of stones in bunkers by declaring them to be “movable obstructions ”(Rule 24-1).
c.Roads and Paths
(i) Declaring artificial surfaces and sides of roads and
paths to be integral parts of the course,or
(ii) Providing relief of the type afforded under Rule 24-2b
from roads and paths not having artificial surfaces and
sides if they could unfairly affect play.
d.Fixed Sprinkler Heads
Providing relief from intervention by fixed sprinkler heads on or within two club-lengths of the putting green when the ball lies within two club-lengths of the sprinkler head.
e.Protection of Young Trees
Providing relief for the protection of young trees.
f.Temporary Obstructions
Providing relief from interference by temporary obstructions (e.g.,grandstands,television cables and equipment,etc.
6-.Dropping Zones (Ball Drops)
Establishing special areas on which balls may or shall be
dropped when it is not feasible or practicable to proceed
exactly in conformity with Rule 24-2by or 24-2c (Immovable
Obstruction),Rule 25-1by or 25-1c (Abnormal Ground
Conditions),Rule 25-3 (Wrong Putting Green),Rule 26-1
(Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards)or Rule 28 (Ball
Unplayable).
W
Part B: Specimen Local Rules
1.Areas of the Course Requiring Preservation; Environmentally-Sensitive Areas
a.Ground Under Repair; Play Prohibite
If the Committee wishes to protect any area of the course,
it should declare it to be ground under repair and prohibit
play from within that area. The following Local Rule is
recommended:
“The ____________(defined by _____)is ground under repair
from which play is prohibited. If a player ’s ball lies in the
area,or if it interferes with the player ’s stance or the area
of his intended swing,the player m st take relief under
Rule 25-1.
b. Environmentally-Sensitive Areas
If an appropriate authority (i.e.,a Government Agency or the like)prohibits entry into and/or play from an area on or adjoining the course for environmental reasons,the Committee should make a Local Rule clarifying the relief procedure.
The Committee has some discretion in terms of whether the area is defined as ground under repair,a water hazard or out of bounds.However,it may not simply define such an area to be a water hazard if it does not meet the Definition of a “Water Hazard ”and it should attempt to preserve the character of the hole. The following Local Rule is recommended:
1-.Definition An environmentally-sensitive area is an area so declared by an appropriate authority,entry into and/or play from which is prohibited for environmental reasons.Such an area may be defined as ground under repair,a water hazard,a lateral water hazard or out of bounds at the discretion of the Committee provided that,in the case of an environmentally-sensitive area which has been defined as a water hazard or a lateral water hazard,the area is,by Definition,a water hazard.
Note:The Committee may not declare an area to be environmentally-sensitive.
2-.Ball in Environmentally-Sensitive Area
a.Ground Under Repair If a ball is in an environmentally-sensitive area which is defined as ground under repair,a ball m st be dropped in accordance with Rule 25-1b. If there is reasonable evidence that a ball is lost within an environmentally-sensitive area which is defined as ground under repair,the player may take relief without penalty as prescribed in Rule 25-1c.
b.Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards If a ball is in or there is reasonable evidence that it is lost in an environmentally-sensitive area which is defined as a water hazard or lateral water hazard,the player must,under penalty of one stroke,proceed under Rule 26-1.
Note:If a ball dropped in accordance with Rule 26 rolls into a position where the environmentally-sensitive area interferes with the player ’s stance or the area of his intended swing,the player m st take relief as provided in Clause 3 of this Local Rule.
c.Out of Bounds If a ball is in an environmentally-sensitive area which is defined as out of bounds,the player shall play a ball,under penalty of one stroke,as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5).
3-.Interference with Stance or Area of Intended Swing
Interference by an environmentally-sensitive area occurs when such a condition interferes with the player ’s stance or the area of his intended swing.If interference exists,the player must take relief as follows:
(i) Through the Green:If the ball lies through the green,
the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies shall
be determined which (a)is not nearer the hole,(b)avoids
interference by the condition and (c)is not in a hazard or
on a putting green.The player shall lift the ball and drop it
without penalty within one club-length of the point th s
determined on a part of the course that fulfils (a),(b)and
(c)above.
(ii) In a Hazar :If the ball is in a hazard,the player shall
lift the ball and drop it either:
(a)Without penalty,in the hazard,as near as possible to
the spot where the ball play ,but not nearer the hole,on a
part of the course which provides complete relief from the
condition;or
(b)Under penalty of one stroke,outside the hazard,
keeping the point where the ball play 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.
(iii) On the Putting Green:
If the ball lies on the putting
green,the player shall lift the ball and place it without
penalty in the nearest position to where it play which affords
complete relief from the condition,but not nearer the hole
or in a hazard.
The ball may be cleaned when so lifted under Clause 3 of
this Local Rule.
Exception: A player may not obtain relief under Clause 3
of this Local Rule if (a)it is clearly unreasonable for him to
play a stroke because of interference by anything other
than a condition covered by this Local Rule or (b)
interference by such a condition would occur only through
use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance,swing or
direction of play.
Note:In case of a serious breach of this Local Rule,the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification.”
2-.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 m st be lifted,without penalty, and dropped in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Rule 24-2by (Immovable Obstruction).If the ball lies in a water hazard,the player shall lift and drop the ball in accordance with Rule 24-2b(i)except that the nearest point of relief m st be in the water hazard and the ball m st be dropped in the water hazard or the player may proceed under Rule 26.The ball may be cleaned when so lifted.
3-.Temporary Conditions
-Mud,Extreme Wetness,Poor
Conditions and Protection of the Course
a. Relief for Embedded Ball;Cleaning Ball
Rule 25-2 provides relief without penalty for a ball
embedded in its own pitch-mark in any closely-mown area
through the green.On the putting green,a ball may be
lifted and damage caused by the impact of a ball may be
repaired (Rules 16-1by and c).When permission to take
relief for an embedded ball anywhere through the green
would be warranted,the following Local Rule is
recommended:
“
Through the green,a ball which is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground,other than sand,may be lifted without penalty,cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it play but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped m st first strike a part of the course through the green.
Exception:
A player may not obtain relief under this Local
Rule if it is clearly unreasonable for him to play a stroke
because of interference by anything other than the
condition covered by this Local Rule.
Alternatively,conditions may be such that permission to lift,clean and replace the ball will suffice. In such circumstances,the following Local Rule is recommended: “(Specify area)a ball may be lifted,cleaned and replaced
Exception:
A player may not obtain relief under this Local
Rule if (a)it is clearly unreasonable for him to play a stroke
because of interference by anything other than such tree
or (b)interference by such tree would occur only through
use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance,swing or
direction of play.
Note: The position of the ball shall be marked before it is lifted under this Local Rule -see Rule 20-1.
b. “Preferred Lies ”and “Winter Rules ”
The R&A does not endorse “preferred lies ”or “winter rules ” and recommends that the Rules of Golf be observed uniformly.Ground under repair is provided for in Rule 25 and occasional local abnormal conditions which might interfere with fair play and are not widespread should be defined as ground under repair.
However,adverse conditions are sometimes so general throughout a course that the Committee believes “preferred lies ”or “winter rules ”would promote fair play or help protect the course.Heavy snows,spring thaws,prolonged rains or extreme heat can make fairways unsatisfactory and sometimes prevent se of heavy mowing equipment.
When a Committee adopts a Local Rule for “preferred lies ” or “winter rules ”it should be set out in detail and should be interpreted by the Committee,as there is no established code for “winter rules ”.Without a detailed Local Rule,it is meaningless for a Committee to post a notice merely saying “Winter Rules today.”
The following Local Rule would seem appropriate for the conditions in question,but the R&A will not interpret it: “A ball lying on a closely-mown area through the green may, without penalty,be moved or may be lifted,cleaned and placed within (specify area,e.g.,six inches,one club- length,etc.)of where it originally play ,but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard or on a putting green.A player may move or place his ball once and after the ball has been so moved or placed,it is in play.
Before a Committee adopts a Local Rule permitting “preferred lies ”or “winter rules ”,the following facts should be considered:
1-.Such a Local Rule conflicts with the Rules of Golf and the fundamental principle of playing the ball as it lies.
2-.“Winter rules ”are sometimes adopted under the guise of protecting the course when,in fact,the practical effect is just the opposite -they permit moving the ball to the best turf,from which divots are then taken to injure the course further.
3-.“Preferred lies ”or “winter rules ”tend generally to lower scores and handicaps,th s penalising the players in competition with players whose scores for handicaps are made under the Rules of Golf.
4-.Extended use
Or indiscriminate use of “preferred lies ” or
“winter rules ”will place players at a disadvantage when
competing at a course where the ball m st be played as
it lies.
c. Aeration Holes
When a course has been aerated,a Local Rule permitting relief,without penalty,from an aeration hole may be
warranted.
The following Local Rule is recommended:
“Through the green,a ball which comes to rest in or on an
aeration hole may be lifted without penalty,cleaned and
dropped,as near as possible to the spot where it play but not
nearer the hole. The ball when dropped m st first strike a
part of the course through the green.
On the putting green,the player shall place the ball at the nearest spot not nearer the hole which avoids such situation.
4-.Stones in bunkers Stones are,by definition,loose impediments and,when a player ’s ball is in a hazard,a stone lying in or touching the hazard may not be touched or moved (Rule 13-4).However, stones in bunkers may represent a danger to players (a player could be injured by a stone struck by the player ’s club in an attempt to play the ball)and they may interfere with the proper playing of the game.
When permission to lift a stone in a bunker would be warranted,the following Local Rule is recommended: “Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies).”
5-.Fixed Sprinkler Heads
Rule 24-2 provides relief without penalty from interference by an immovable obstruction,but it also provides that, except on the putting green,intervention on the line of play is not,of itself,interference under this Rule.
However,on some courses,the aprons of the putting greens are so closely mown that players may wish to putt from just
off the green.In such conditions,fixed sprinkler heads on
the apron may interfere with the proper playing of the
game and the introduction of the following Local Rule
providing additional relief without penalty from
intervention by a fixed sprinkler head would be warranted:
“All fixed sprinkler heads are immovable obstructions and
relief from interference by them may be obtained under
Rule 24-2.In addition,if a ball lies off the putting green
but not in a hazard and such an 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 shall be lifted and dropped at the nearest point to
where the ball play which (a)is not nearer the hole,(b)
avoids such intervention and (c)is not in a hazard or on a
putting green.The ball may be cleaned when so lifted.
6-.Temporary Obstructions
When temporary obstructions are installed on or adjoining the course,the Committee should define the status of such obstructions as movable,immovable or temporary immovable obstructions.
a.Temporary Immovable Obstructions
If the Committee defines such obstructions as temporary immovable obstructions,the following Local Rule is recommended:
1-.Definition
A temporary immovable obstruction is a non-permanent artificial object which is often erected in conjunction with a competition and which is fixed or not readily movable.
Examples of temporary immovable obstructions include, but are not limited to,tents,scoreboards,grandstands, television towers and lavatories. Supporting guy wires are part of the temporary immovable obstruction unless the Committee declares that they are to be treated as elevated power lines or cables.
2-.Interference
Interference by a temporary immovable obstruction occurs when (a)the ball lies in front of and so close to the obstruction that the obstruction interferes with the player ’s stance or the area of his intended swing,or (b)the ball lies in,on,under or behind the obstruction so that any part of the obstruction intervenes directly between the player ’s ball and the hole;interference also exists if the ball lies within one club-length of a spot where such intervention would exist.
Note:A ball is under a temporary immovable obstruction when it is below the outer most edges of the obstruction, even if these edges do not extend downwards to the ground.
3-.Relief
A player may obtain relief from interference by a temporary immovable obstruction,including a temporary immovable obstruction which is out of bounds,as follows:
a.Through the Green
If the ball lies through the green, the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies shall be determined which (a)is not nearer the hole,(b)avoids interference as defined in Clause 2 and (c)is not in a hazard or on a putting green.The player shall lift the ball and drop it without penalty within one club-length of the point th s determined on a part of the course which fulfils (a),(b)and (c)above.
b.In a Hazar:
If the ball is in a hazard,the player shall lift and drop the ball either:
(i)Without penalty,in the hazard,on the nearest part of the course affording complete relief within the limits specified in Clause 3a above or,if complete relief is impossible,on a part of the course within the hazard which affords maxim m available relief; or
(ii)Under penalty of one stroke,outside the hazard as
follows:
the point on the course nearest to where the
ball lies shall be determined which
(a)is not nearer the hole,
(b)avoids interference as defined in Clause 2 and
(c)is not in a hazard.
The player shall drop the ball within one club-length of the point th s determined
on a part of the course which fulfils (a),(b)and (c)
above.
The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Clause 3.
Note 1: If the ball lies in a hazard,nothing in this Local Rule precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 26 or Rule 28,if applicable.
Note 2: If the ball to be dropped under this Local Rule is not immediately recoverable,another ball may be substituted.
Note 3: A Committee may make a Local Rule (a)permitting or requiring a player to se a dropping zone or ball drop when taking relief from a temporary immovable obstruction or (b)permitting a player,as an additional relief option,to drop the ball on the opposite side of the obstruction from the point established under Clause 3,but otherwise in accordance with Clause 3.
Exceptions:
If a player ’s ball lies in front of or behind the temporary
immovable obstruction (not in,on or under the
obstruction)he may not obtain relief under Clause 3 if:
1-.It is clearly unreasonable for him to play a stroke or,in the case of intervention,to play a stroke such that the ball could finish on a direct line to the hole,because of interference by anything other than the temporary immovable obstruction;
2-.Interference by the temporary immovable obstruction would occur only through se of an nnecessarily abnormal stance,swing or direction of play; or
3-.In the case of intervention,it would be clearly unreasonable to expect the player to be able to strike the ball far enough towards the hole to reach the temporary immovable obstruction.
Note:A player not entitled to relief due to these exceptions may proceed under Rule 24-2,if applicable.
4-.Ball Lost
If there is reasonable evidence that the ball is lost in,on or under a temporary immovable obstruction,a ball may be dropped under the provisions of Clause 3 or Clause 5,if applicable. For the purpose of applying Clauses 3 and 5, the ball shall be deemed to lie at the spot where it last entered the obstruction (Rule 24-2c).
5-.Dropping Zones (Ball Drops)
If the player has interference from a temporary immovable obstruction,the Committee may permit or require the se of a dropping zone or ball drop.If the player uses a dropping zone in taking relief,he m st drop the ball in the dropping zone nearest to where his ball originally play or is deemed to lie under Clause 4 (even though the nearest dropping zone may be nearer the hole).
Note 1:A Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting the use of a dropping zone or ball drop which is nearer the hole.
Note 2:If the ball is dropped in a dropping zone,the ball shall not be re-dropped if it comes to rest within two club- lengths of the spot where it first struck a part of the course even though it may come to rest nearer the hole or outside the boundaries of the dropping zone.
b.Temporary Power Lines and Cables
When temporary power lines,cables,or telephone lines are installed on the course,the following Local Rule is
recommended:
“Temporary power lines,cables,telephone lines and mats
covering or stanchions supporting them are obstructions:
1-.If they are readily movable,Rule 24-1 applies.
2-.If they are fixed or not readily movable,the player may,if the ball lies through the green or in a bunker,obtain relief as provided in Rule 24-2b. If the ball lies in a water hazard,the player may obtain relief under Rule 24-2b(i) except that the nearest point of relief m st be in the water hazard and the ball m st be dropped in the water hazard or the player may proceed under Rule 26.
3-.If a ball strikes an elevated power line or cable,the stroke shall be cancelled and replayed,without penalty (see Rule 20-5).If the ball is not immediately recoverable another ball may be substituted.
Note:Guy wires supporting a temporary immovable obstruction are part of the temporary immovable obstruction unless the Committee,by Local Rule, declares that they are to be treated as elevated power lines or cables.
Exception:
Ball striking elevated junction section of
cable rising from the ground shall not be replayed.
4-.Grass-covered cable trenches are ground under repair even if not so marked and Rule 25-1by applies.”
Rule 33-1 provides,“The Committee shall play down the conditions under which a competition is to be played.” Such conditions should include many matters such as method of entry,eligibility,number of rounds to be played, etc. which it is not appropriate to deal with in the Rules of Golf or this Appendix.Detailed information regarding such conditions is provided in “Decisions on the Rules of Golf ” under Rule 33-1.
However,there are seven matters which might be covered in the Conditions of the Competition to which the Committee ’s attention is specifically drawn by way of a Note to the appropriate Rule. These are:
1.Specification of the Ball (Note to Rule 5-1)
The following two conditions are recommended only for competitions involving expert players:
a.List of Conforming Golf Balls
The R&A periodically issues a List of Conforming Golf Balls
which lists balls that have been tested and found to
conform.If the Committee wishes to require se of a brand
of golf ball on the List,the List should be posted and the
following condition of competition used:
“The ball the player uses shall be named on the current List
of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the Royal and Ancient
Golf club of St Andrews.
b.One Ball Condition
If it is desired to prohibit changing brands and types of golf
balls during a stipulated round,the following condition is
recommended:
“Limitation on Balls Used During Round:(Note to
Rule 5-1)
(i)“One Ball ”Condition During a stipulated round,the balls a player uses must be of the same brand and type as detailed by a single entry on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls.
(ii)Procedure When Breach Discovered
When a player discovers that he has used a ball in breach
of this condition,he shall abandon that ball before playing
from the next teeing ground and complete the round using
a proper ball;otherwise,the player shall be disqualified. If
discovery is made during play of a hole and the player
elects to substitute a proper ball before completing that
hole,the player shall place a proper ball on the spot where
the ball used in breach of the condition play .”
2-.Time of Starting (Note to Rule 6-3a)
If the Committee wishes to act in accordance with the Note,the following wording is recommended: “
If the player arrives at his starting point,ready to play, within five min tes after his starting time in the absence of circumstances which warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule 33-7,the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole to be played in match play or two strokes in stroke play.Penalty for lateness beyond five minutes is disqualification.”
3-.Pace of Play The Committee may play down pace of play guidelines to help prevent slow play,in accordance with Note 2 to Rule 6-7.
4-.Suspension of Play Due to a Dangerous Situation (Note to Rule 6-8b)
As there have been many deaths and injuries from lightning on golf courses,all clubs and sponsors of golf competitions are urged to take precautions for the protection of persons against lightning.Attention is called to Rules 6-8 and 33- 2d. If the Committee desires to adopt the condition in the Note under Rule 6-8b,the following wording is recommended:
“When play is suspended by the Committee for a dangerous situation,if the players in a match or group are between the play of two holes,they shall not resume play until the Committee has ordered a resumption of play.If they are in the process of playing a hole,they shall discontinue play immediately and shall not thereafter resume play until the Committee has ordered a resumption of play.If a player fails to discontinue play immediately,he shall be disqualified unless circumstances warrant waiving such penalty as provided in Rule 33-7.
The signal for suspending play due to a dangerous situation will be a prolonged note of the siren.”
The following signals are generally sed and it is
recommended that all Committees do similarly:
Discontinue Play Immediately:One prolonged note of
siren.
Discontinue Play:
Three consecutive notes of siren,
repeated.
Resume Play:
Two short notes of siren,repeated.
5-.Practice
a.General
The Committee may make regulations governing practice in accordance with the Note to Rule 7-1,Exception (c)to Rule 7-2,and Rule 33-2c.
b.Practice Between Holes (Note 2 to Rule 7)
It is recommended that a condition of competition prohibiting practice putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the hole last played is only introduced in stroke play competitions.The following wording is recommended: “
A player shall not play any practice stroke on or near the putting green of the hole last played. If a practice stroke is played on or near the putting green of the hole last played, the player shall incur a penalty of two strokes at the next hole,except that in the case of the last hole of the round, he incurs the penalty at that hole.”
6-.Advice in Team Competitions
If the Committee wishes to act in accordance with the Note
under Rule 8,the following wording is recommended:
“
In accordance with the Note to Rule 8 of the Rules of Golf, each team may appoint one person (in addition to the persons from whom advice may be asked under the Rule) who may give advice to members of that team.Such person (if it is desired to insert any restriction on who may be nominated insert such restriction here)shall be identified to the Committee before giving advice.”
7-.New Holes The Committee may provide,in accordance with the Note to Rule 33-2b,that the holes and teeing grounds for a single round competition,being held on more than one day,may be differently situated on each day.
Other conditions of the competition might include:
Transportation
If it is desired to require players to walk in a competition, the following condition is recommended: “Players shall walk at all times during a stipulated round.
Stroke play -Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred;maxim m penalty per round:Four strokes.In the event of a breach between the play of two holes,the penalty applies to the next hole.
Match or stroke play -Use of any unauthorised form of transportation shall be discontinued immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred. Otherwise,the player shall be disqualified.”
How to Decide Ties
Rule 33-6 empowers the Committee to determine how and
when a halved match or a stroke play tie shall be decided.
The decision should be published in advance.
The R&A recommends:
Match Play
A match which ends all square should be played off hole by hole until one side wins a hole. The play-off should start on the hole where the match began.In a handicap match, handicap stokes should be allowed as in the prescribed round. Stroke Play
(a)In the event of a tie in a scratch stroke play competition, a play-off is recommended. Such a play-off may be over 18 holes or a smaller n mber of holes as specified by the Committee. If that is not feasible or there is still a tie,a hole-by-hole play-off is recommended.
(b)In the event of a tie in a handicap stroke play competition,a play-off with handicaps is recommended. Such a play-off may be over 18 holes or a smaller n mber of holes as specified by the Committee.If the play-off is less than 18 holes,the percentage of 18 holes to be played should be applied to the players ’handicaps to determine their play-off handicaps.Handicap stroke fractions of one-half stroke or more should count as a full stroke and any lesser fraction should be disregarded.
(c)In either a scratch or handicap stroke play competition, if a play-off of any type is not feasible,matching score cards is recommended. The method of matching cards should be announced in advance. An acceptable method of matching cards is to determine the winner on the basis of the best score for the last nine holes.If the tying players have the same score for the last nine, determine the winner on the basis of the last six holes, last three holes and finally the 18th hole. If such a method is sed in a handicap stroke play competition, one-half,one-third,one-sixth,etc. of the handicaps should be deducted. Fractions should not be disregarded. If such a method is sed in a competition with a multiple tee start,it is recommended that the “last nine holes,last six holes,etc." is considered to be holes 10-18,13-18,etc.
(d)If the conditions of the competition provide that ties shall be decided over the last nine,last six,last three and last hole,they should also provide what will happen if this procedure does not produce a winner.
UPPER HALF LOWER HALF UPPER HALF LOWER HALF
64 QUALIFIERS 32 QUALIFIERS
1 vs 64 2 vs 63 1 vs 32 2 vs 31
32 vs 33 31 vs 34 16 vs 17 15 vs 18
16 vs 49 15 vs 50 8 vs 25 7 vs 26
17 vs 48 18 vs 47 9 vs 24 10 vs 23
8 vs 57 7 vs 58 4 vs 29 3 vs 30
25 vs 40 26 vs 39 13 vs 20 14 vs 19
9 vs 56 10 vs 55 5 vs 28 6 vs 27
24 vs 41 23 vs 42 12 vs 21 11 vs 22
4 vs 61 3 vs 62 16 QUALIFIERS
29 vs 36 30 vs 35 1 vs 16 2 vs 15
13 vs 52 14 vs 51 8 vs 9 7 vs 10
20 vs 45 19 vs 46 4 vs 13 3 vs 14
5 vs 60 6 vs 59 5 vs 12 6 vs 11
28 vs 37 27 vs 38 8 QUALIFIERS
12 vs 53 11 vs 54 1 vs 8 2 vs 7
21 vs 44 22 vs 43 4 vs 5 3 vs 6
Draw for Match Play
Although the draw for match play may be completely blind or certain players may be distributed through different quarters or eighths,the General Numerical Draw is recommended if matches are determined by a qualifying round.
General Numerical Draw
For purposes of determining places in the draw,ties in
qualifying rounds other than those for the last qualifying
place shall be decided by the order in which scores are
returned,with the first score to be returned receiving the
lowest available n mber,etc. If it is impossible to determine
the order in which scores are returned,ties shall be
determined by a blind draw.