Information concerning the running of Qualifying Competitions (and Social golf) during the current Covid 19 pandemic.

CONGU and the R&A have agreed to amend the Rules of Golf with regard to not having rakes in bunkers by introducing Preferred Lies, and to explain when a ball is considered ‘holed’, along with a change to the status of ‘Stakes’ marking Penalty Areas.

PPREFERRED LIE IN A BUNKER

When a Player’s ball lies in a bunker, the Player may lift, clean, and place the ball within 6 inches, not nearer the hole.

NB - The player may NOT smooth any area of the bunker before taking relief under this rule.

BALL 'HOLED'

It is now not necessary for the whole of a ball to be below the surface of the green to be considered ‘holed’.

If any part of the ball, up against the flagstick, is below the surface of the green it is ‘holed’, providing the ball is at rest.

If the ball has dipped into the hole and then bounced out after hitting the flagstick, or the foam insert, it is NOT holed and play of the hole must continue.

STAKES

Red and Yellow stakes marking Penalty Areas must NOT be touched and are now ‘Immoveable Obstructions’.

Relief can be taken, (see Rule 16.1)

M Barker (Match Secretary)

23/06/2020