Local Golf Course Rules (in English)

 

The following local rules have been adopted by the Las Palmeras Golf Society for all competitions played after March 1st 2026 and will remain in force until rescinded by the committee.

 

1. Preferred Lies

Preferred Lies are in force until further notice and the following Local Rules apply:

a)      A ball lying on a closely mown area through the green may be lifted without penalty and cleaned.

b)      A ball lying on picon within the general area may be lifted without penalty and cleaned.

Before lifting the ball the player MUST mark its position. Having lifted the ball he must replace it on a spot within six inches of its original position, not nearer the hole and not in a hazard or on a putting green.

Balls NOT lying on a closely mown area or picon must be played as they lie.

2. Abnormal Course Conditions – General Area

Multiple areas of abnormal course conditions are present on the golf course.  These are defined as areas of bare earth where grass would normally be growing.  Areas marked with blue stakes are NO PLAY ZONES and free relief MUST be taken at the nearest point of total relief, not nearer the hole (Note the boundary of these areas is not defined by the stakes).  Other areas of bare earth that are not marked can be regarded as ground under repair and free relief can be taken at the nearest point of total relief, not nearer the hole; alternative the player can play the ball as it lies. 

The ball MUST be DROPPED within 1 club length of the nearest point of relief (Rule 16.3).

Exception: 
A player may not take relief under this Local Rule if it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke because of interference by anything other than the condition covered by this Local Rule, e.g. if the ball lies against a boundary marker or bush/tree. 

3. Abnormal Course Conditions – Bunkers and Penalty Areas

a)      Bunkers

If a ball lies in or touches a channel made by water, the player may take relief from this as an abnormal course condition under Rule 16.1b. However, no relief is available if the channel/damaged area only interferes with the player's stance or line of play.  The player must establish the nearest point of relief within the bunker, not nearer the hole and drop the ball within 1 club length.

b)      Penalty Areas

Free relief is not available in penalty areas, the ball may be played as it lies or relief may be taken under penalty of 1 stroke (Rule 17). 

 4. IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS CLOSE TO PUTTING GREEN (e.g. Sprinkler Heads)

In addition to the types of interference described in Rule 16.1a, when a ball lies in the general area, interference also exists if an immovable obstruction is: on the player’s line of play, is within two club-lengths of the putting green and is within two club-lengths of the ball.  The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. (Exception – There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.)