Local Rules

Abnormal Course Condition - Rule 16

Preferred Lies

When a player’s ball lies in the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:

Reference Point: Spot of original ball
Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: 6 inches from the reference point but with these limits:

Limits on Location of Relief Area

• Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point
• Must be in the general area  

In proceeding under this local rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing the ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.

Ground Under Repair

All Repaired / Re-Seeded Areas

In the general area, areas that have been repaired, sanded/soiled and reseeded are to be treated as Ground Under Repair from which free relief is allowed under rule 16.1

(This includes any new drainage lines that have been re-soiled) 

Removed Trees

Throughout the course any ground where a tree has been removed the damaged area is to be treated as ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1

Loose Impediments

 In The General area any ground with accumulation of

• Fallen Trees
• Logs cut from fallen trees
• Piled leaves twigs and bracken
• Wood chippings

In the general area is treated as ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1

Abnormal Ground Conditions    

Lift, Clean and Replace

When a player's ball lies in the general area the ball may be lifted cleaned and replaced without penalty. The player must mark the spot of the ball before lifting it (rule 14.1) and the ball must be replaced on its original spot. (rule 14.2)

Tractor Damage

In the general area, areas of damage caused by tractors and other similar traffic are treated as ground under repair from which relief is allowed under Rule 16.1

Bare Patches Caused by Water Damage

All bare patches caused by water damage through the green are to be treated as Ground Under Repair from which relief is allowed under rule 16.1

Chester Golf Club Local Rule - No Play Zone

1st Hole

If a ball is in the wild flower area to the rear of the 1st green that was once used as a tee for hole 2, including when it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found came to rest in this area, the player must take free relief by dropping the original ball or another ball in the marked dropping zone.

The dropping zone is a relief area under rule 14.3

18th Hole

The flower bed to the right of the 18th green is a no play zone to be treated as an abnormal ground condition. Free relief must be taken from the drop zone.

The drop zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3

Diane Dare

Chair of Golf

31st March 2025