MissionHillsCountryClub
LocalRules(January13,2017)
Play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf and the following local rules, conditions, and definitions, where applicable.
1.
Embedded Ball Rule - Through the green, a ball that is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground may be lifted
without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it lay but not nearer the hole. (Appendix IB-4A)
2.
Sprinkler Head Rule - A sprinkler head close to the putting green is an immovable obstruction. Relief from interference by
an immovable obstruction may be taken 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. (Appendix IB-6)
3.
Out of Bounds – Out of Bounds is defined by white stakes, lines, retaining walls, boundary fences and curbing on streets.
All paved roads are out of bounds; the paved edge nearest the course is the out of bounds line (e.g., Inverness Dr. to the
Right of AP #1 and to the Left of DST #10, etc.) A ball, which crosses a paved (public) road and comes to rest beyond that
road, is out of bounds, even though it may lie on another part of the course. Out of Bounds is determined by the nearest
inside points of the stake, at ground level. Areas where the outer edge of the cart path is lined by white stakes (specifically
the right side of #1 and the left side of holes #6, #8 and #10 of the Pete Dye Challenge Course): the outside edge of the cart
path defines the margin of out of bounds. The white stakes along the cart path simply identify that the area is out of bounds.
If a ball is touching the cart path, it is in bounds. Relief for a ball on or touching the path may be taken on the golf course
side of the path.
4. Lateral Water Hazards Adjacent to Homeowner’s Property: Ground on the homeowner’s side of such hazards is deemed
to be out of bounds. This includes holes 4, 6 and 18 on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course, holes 8 and 18 on the Arnold
Palmer Course and holes 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 on the Pete Dye Challenge Course. Hole # 12 on the Arnold
Palmer Course is an exception as there is clearly ground “through the green” to the right of the lateral water hazard bordering
the right side of the fairway. (Rule 27)
5.
Flower Beds - All flower beds and similar decorative areas (except those clearly marked to be within a hazard as on hole #6
of the Dinah Shore Tournament Course and hole #15 of the Arnold Palmer Course) are 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 must take relief under Rule 25-1.
6.
Distance Measuring Devices (DMD) Distance Measuring Devices are allowed. The device may be used for measuring
distance only. The device must not be used for other purposes including measuring slope, wind or elevation. (See Appendix
IV, 5 and rule 14-3).
7.
Railroad Ties and Concrete Curbing: When railroad ties and /or concrete and / or stone curbing support or line the edge
of a water hazard (including lateral water hazards), they are within the margins of the hazard and are deemed to be an
integral part of the course. In the absence of painted lines or a coot fence, the outside edge of the railroad ties or curbing
defines the margin of the hazard. A ball touching a railroad tie or curbing is in the hazard.
8.
Dropping Zones: Dropping zones are provided as an additional option (Appendix I) under rule 26-1 on holes #5 and #14 on
the Dinah Shore Tournament Course, #4 and #17 on the Arnold Palmer Course and #11and #17 on the Pete Dye Challenge
course.
9.
Bridge on #18 Tournament Course; The bridge is determined NOT to be an integral part of the course; therefore, if a
player's ball is not in the hazard and the bridge interferes with stance or swing, the player is entitled to relief under
Immovable Obstruction. (Rule 24-2b)
10. Waste Area: On the Pete Dye Challenge Course, the “naturally sandy area” between # 4 green and hole # 8 is deemed to be
“a waste area”. A player whose ball lies in this area may lightly ground his club or remove loose impediments as this area is
through the green. All other hollowed-out sanded areas will be treated as bunkers (hazards) whether or not rakes are present.
11. Aeration Holes and Seams of Cut Turf (Sod Seams): The Local Rule for each condition as prescribed in Appendix I of the
USGA Rules of Golf is in effect.
12. Accidental Movement of a Ball On A Putting Green: 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/her partner, his/her 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. 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 circumstances is
replaced.