Last updated May 29, 2023.

1. USGA Rules govern all play; however Local Rules below can override or enhance USGA Rules.
2. The following Local Rules apply:
   1. All lakes and canals are considered a red penalty area (formerly known as a 'lateral hazard') unless marked otherwise.  The rocks surrounding the lake between Holes #5 & #6 are considered part of the red penalty area.  Relief is in accordance with the USGA Rules of Golf.
   2. Out of bounds is indicated by the outside perimeter of the course.
   3. For 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.
   4. Immovable Obstruction (USGA Rule 16) on the Bear course would also include split-rail fence WITHIN course (found on Holes #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.
      • Scenario: Hole #3, Par 5 485 yards.  Ball goes 250 yards, then lands next to the split-rail fence on the left side of fairway.  The split-rail fence is within the bounds of the golf course and is an immovable obstruction; it does NOT identify the bounds of the golf course (there are white stakes to the left and over the cart path that do that).
      • Under USGA Rule 16, there are two options, both with NO penalty.
        1. Play it as it lies.
        2. Determine nearest point of relief for stance and swing only, then drop within one club length, no nearer the hole; no penalty.
   5. USGA Local Rule E-5 applies for OB & Lost Ball (USGA Rule E-5).

   6. The rocky area behind Hole #3 green and along the left side of Hole #4 that is filled with large landscaping rocks starting behind Hole #3 green and extending to the left side of Hole #5 tee is now designated to be a red penalty area (formerly known as a 'lateral hazard') and is not considered out of bounds.  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 17.1 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. 
  • USGA 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.

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If you have additional questions, please contact us at:  bearcreekmensgolf@gmail.com