Kettering Golf Club Local Rules / Hard Card

These Local Rules are effective for 12 months from 28th March 2025 – Amended @ 08.04.25
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Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2)

Out of Bounds is defined as beyond any wall, fence or hedge bordering the course.

Integral Objects – No Free Relief

  • Practice net enclosures
  • Buggy store shed
  • Pro’s training studio
  • Air compressor machine
  • Bunker liners in their intended position
  • Safety netting along edge of lake on 3rd hole

Standards of Players Conduct (Rule 1.2a and 1.2b)

All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by:

  • Acting with integrity
  • Following the rules
  • Applying all penalties
  • Being honest in all aspects of play
  • Showing consideration to others
  • Taking good care of the course

Members are responsible for ensuring themselves and their guests understand the Club’s Code of Conduct and any penalties or sanctions for breaches.

Penalty Areas (Rule 17)

Where stakes are used, the course-side edge at ground level defines the edge of the penalty area. Without stakes, the edge is where the ground slopes into the depression that can hold water.

2nd Hole: The penalty area edge on the right extends to and coincides with the course boundary on the far side of the ditch. If it is known or virtually certain the ball last crossed this point, opposite-side relief under Local Rule B-2.2 is available.

3rd Hole: The penalty area on the right extends across the lake to infinity.

Abnormal Course Conditions

Ground Under Repair (Rule 16.1)

  • Any area marked as GUR by the Committee or with white lines/stakes/signs
  • Staked or caged trees; newly laid turf; areas covered by black tarpaulin
  • By definition, a goose nest (occupied or not)

All such areas are GUR/No Play Zones — relief must be taken.

Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Greens (Local Rule F-5)

Applies only when both the ball and the obstruction are in the general area cut to fairway height or less. No relief if line of play is clearly unreasonable.

A player may take relief if an immovable obstruction (e.g., sprinkler head) is on the intended line of play and is:

  • On or within two club lengths of the putting green, and
  • Within two club lengths of the ball

Complete relief must be taken, including physical and line-of-play interference.

Goose Dung (Local Rule F-12)

In the general area cut to fairway height or less, if there is interference with the lie only, goose dung may be removed as a loose impediment (Rule 15.1) without moving the ball, or treated as GUR with free relief (Rule 16.1b).

Irrigation Works

Defined as gravel-filled or compressed earth/sand-filled drainage channels.

If the lie of the ball in the general area has interference from irrigation works, the player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.

No free relief for interference with stance or swing.

Special Relief Procedures

Ball Deflected by Power Line (Local Rule E-11)

If it is known or virtually certain that a ball hit an elevated power line (not the pole), the stroke must be replayed without penalty from the original spot (Rule 14.6).

  • If replayed from a wrong place → general penalty (Rule 14.7)
  • If not replayed → general penalty; original stroke counts

Removing Animals (Local Rule E-13)

A player may remove an animal (e.g., a goose) that is touching or near the ball. If the ball moves, there is no penalty but it must be replaced.

If the animal will not move, the player may:

  • Continue attempting to move it (risking penalty if the ball moves)
  • Take penalty relief (Rule 17.1 or 19.1)
  • Play the ball as it lies

Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities (Rule 25)

Players holding a recognised Pass/Certificate (e.g., EDGA WR4GD Player Pass or EDGA Access Pass) may compete using modified rules. Passes are issued by the EDGA Eligibility Team at no cost.

More information: EDGA Pass Information

Suspension of Play (Rule 5.7)

  • Immediate stop – imminent danger: one prolonged note (siren/air horn)
  • Stop play – non-dangerous: three consecutive notes
  • Resume play: two consecutive notes

Penalty for breach: Disqualification (Rules 5.7b & 5.7c)

 

Terms of Competition

The overall terms, eligibility, and formats for Club-sanctioned competitions are available in the Competitions Handbook in the clubhouse or in the Documents section of the ClubV1 Members Hub.