What are local rules, and why do they exist?

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We all know that Golf, like other sports, has a series of rules that rule. But have you ever heard the term ‘local rule’ and did you wonder what it means?

There are 25 lines laid down in the current rules of Golf – but that is not the end of the story. There are another 90 “model local rules” authorized for use if necessary, usually depending on the layout of the golf course, current conditions, maintenance practices or other factors specific to the course or a competition.

The decision about taking local rules is taken by the ‘committee’, which is the person or group responsible for a certain competition or course. In the context of casual, daily game, this person or group varies per course, but often includes the golf professional and/or superintendent. The local rules that are used on a course can be communicated in different ways, but are often found on the score card or are placed somewhere in the clubhouse.

Have you ever hit your ball on a par 3 in the water and then dropped another ball into a drop zone? The concept of a Droping Zone is a local rule (in particular model Local Rule E-1).

Have you ever come to a golf course and it has been told that “preference lies” are in force for the day? This is Model Local Rule E-3, often used when fairway conditions can influence fair play (for example due to difficult weather conditions).

Some other remarkable local rules are the alternative for a stroke and distance for golf balls that are lost or outside the borders, lighting of sods and lighting of real estate (such as sprinkler heads) close to the installation of vegetables.

Interested in viewing all local local rules? They can be found in the official guide for the golf rules, which you can open for free in the USGA rules of Golf Mobile App or at USGA.org/rules.