Last updated 2020/10/24

 

 

1. USGA Rules Govern all play.  However Local Rules below can override or enhance USGA rules.
2. The following Local Rules apply:
   • All Lakes and canals are considered lateral water hazards.  Relief in accordance with the rules of golf.
   • Cart paths, rest rooms, pump stations and other immovable obstructions; Determine nearest point of relief for stance and swing only, then drop within one club length, no nearer the hole, no penalty.
   • Out of bounds is indicated by outside perimeter of course.
   • Immovable Obstruction (USGA Rule 16) at Bear Creek would also include split-rail fence WITHIN course (found on #3, #13, #14, #16 as examples).  THIS ONLY APPLIES IF THE OBSTRUCTION AFFECTS YOUR STANCE OR YOUR SWING PATH AND NOT THE FLIGHT PATH OF THE BALL.
     1. Scenario: Hole #3, Par 5 485 yards.  Ball goes 250 yds then lands next to the split rail fence on the left side of fairway.  Split Rail is within bounds of golf course and is an immovable obstruction; it does NOT identify bounds of golf course (there are white stakes to the left and over the cart path that do that).
     2. Under USGA Rule 16, there are two options, both with NO penalty.
        1. Play it as it lies.
        2. Determine nearest point of relief to take stance, then drop ball within one club length of point of relief.
   • USGA Local Rule E-5 applies for OB & Lost Ball (USGA Rule E-5).

   • The rocky area behind the 3rd green and along the left side of hole #4 that is filled with large landscaping rocks starting behind the 3rd green and extends to the left side of the 5th tee is now designated to be a red penalty area (formerly referred to as a 'lateral hazard'). The penalty area boundary is the edge of the cart path or cart path curbing that is adjacent to the rocky area.

     • Please see rule 17.2 for relief options from a red penalty area: USGA rule 17.

 

• Important notes:
  • If your ball is on the cart path, it is not in the penalty area even if it is on the path against the curbing. 
    • Rule 16, specifies that relief in this case must be taken in the "general area" which means your closest point of relief must be no closer to the hole and *not* in the penalty area. So, if your ball is anywhere on the path, you get free relief on the fairway side of the path.
  • You are allowed to play your ball as it lies in the penalty area with NO penalty.
  • If your ball is in the penalty area, you cannot take free relief due to the cart path interfering with your stance or swing; there is no free relief inside a penalty area.
  • The wall along the street is a course boundary and a ball on the street-side of the wall is out of bounds.