LOCAL RULE: Exposed tree roots

Members are advised that relief from exposed tree roots may be obtained as per the below rule, effective immediately.

Tree roots on areas of the course cut at fairway height may be treated as an ABNORMAL GROUND CONDITION.

Where a tree root interferes with the lie of the player’s ball or the area of the player’s intended swing, relief without penalty may be taken under Rule 25-1(i).

That is, the ball may be lifted and dropped within one club-length of, and not nearer to the hole than, the nearest point of relief.

If the dropped ball comes to rest in a position where there is interference from the condition or the ball comes to rest more than two club-lengths from where it first struck the ground, the ball must be re-dropped in accordance with Rule 20-2.c(v) and (vi) respectively, and the general provisions of Rule 20-2.c.

Note 1: Relief under this Rule is not available for interference to the player’s stance.

Note 2: Provided nothing is done to improve the lie of the ball or the area of intended swing Rule (13-2) or the ball is not moved in the process (Rule 18-2), the player may take reasonable steps to probe the surface to determine the presence of tree roots.