The Rules of Golf apply everywhere, but every course is different. Local rules let a course or committee adapt the rules to its own conditions: winter weather, damaged areas, environmentally sensitive zones or specific features. Many golfers never read them, and miss out on free relief or take the wrong drop. Here's what local rules are and the ones you're most likely to meet.
What are local rules?
Local rules are adjustments to the Rules of Golf made by the committee in charge of a course or competition. Most are based on model local rules published by the governing bodies, so they are similar from course to course.
Where to find them
- Back of the scorecard.
- Notice board in the clubhouse or by the first tee.
- Competition information for events.
- Ask the pro shop or starter.
Common local rules
Preferred lies (lift, clean and place)
Usually used in winter or wet conditions. You may lift, clean and place your ball within a set distance (often one club-length or a scorecard length) in a specified area, usually the fairway or closely mown areas. Read winter golf.
Alternative to stroke and distance
For lost balls and balls out of bounds, some courses allow you to drop near where the ball was lost or went out, in the fairway area, for two penalty strokes, instead of going back. It's mostly used in casual play, not high-level competitions. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
Drop zones
Designated areas for taking relief, often for island greens or difficult penalty areas.
Ground under repair
Areas marked as damaged or being worked on, from which you get free relief. Read golf free relief rules.
No-play zones
Environmentally sensitive areas or areas under repair where play is prohibited; you must take relief. Read golf courses and wildlife.
Temporary obstructions
Grandstands, tents and cables at events.
Embedded ball
Some courses limit free relief for an embedded ball to closely mown areas.
Aeration holes
Relief from aeration holes after maintenance. Read golf course maintenance explained.
Internal out of bounds
Boundaries between holes, sometimes in play only for certain holes.
Specific features
Roads, paths, walls and other features that the course treats in a particular way.
Competition conditions
In competitions, committees may also set conditions such as:
- Use of distance-measuring devices. Read rangefinder vs GPS.
- Ball requirements, such as the list of conforming balls.
- Pace of play policies.
- Transport: whether carts are allowed.
Read conforming golf equipment.
Why local rules matter
- They may save you shots through free relief or preferred lies.
- Breaching them can lead to penalties.
- Scores under some local rules may be treated differently for handicap purposes; check with your club. Read the World Handicap System explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is a local rule in golf?
An adjustment to the Rules of Golf made by a course or committee to suit local conditions.
Where do I find a course's local rules?
On the scorecard, on notice boards or from the pro shop or committee.
What are preferred lies?
A local rule allowing you to lift, clean and place your ball within a set area, usually in winter.
Can I use the two-stroke out-of-bounds option in competitions?
Only if the committee has adopted it. It's mainly for casual play.
The bottom line
Local rules adapt golf to each course's conditions. Read them before every round, especially at a new course, and you may save shots and avoid penalties. For more rules guides, read golf rules every golfer should know.