I-1 Practising Before Rounds
Purpose. Rule 5.2 covers practising on the course before or between rounds during a competition:
- Match Play (Rule 5.2a). Players in a match may practise on the course before or between rounds, as they usually will have an equal chance to do so because they play at the same time.
- Stroke Play (Rule 5.2b). Players must not practise on the course before a round on the day of a competition, as they may not have an equal chance to do so because they usually play in different groups at different times. But they are allowed to practise on a day of the competition after their competition play for the day is complete.
There are many different considerations about whether to allow practice on the course, such as fairness to the players, possible interference with set-up of the course and maintenance activities, the amount of time before or between rounds, or when players are encouraged to play on the course outside the competition.
For these or other reasons, a Committee can choose to adopt a Local Rule that modifies these default provisions by either allowing or prohibiting such practice entirely or by limiting when, where or how such practice may take place.
Model Local Rule I-1.1
“Rule 5.2a is modified in this way:
A player must not practise on the competition course before or between rounds.
[Or, if players are allowed to practise in limited ways: Describe those limits and when, where and how a player may practise on the course.]
Penalty for Breach of this Local Rule:
- Penalty for first breach: General Penalty (applied to the player’s first hole).
- Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.”
Model Local Rule I-1.2
“Rule 5.2b is modified in this way:
A player may practise on the competition course before or between rounds.
[Or, if players are allowed to practise in limited ways: Describe those limits and when, where and how a player may practise on the course.]
[Or, if players are prohibited from practising on the course both before and between rounds: “A player must not practise on the competition course before or between rounds.”]
I-2 Prohibiting Practising on or Near Previous Putting Green
Purpose. Rule 5.5b allows a player, between the play of two holes, to practise putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the hole just completed. But if this may affect pace of play or for other reasons, the Committee can choose to prohibit such practice.
Model Local Rule I-2
“Rule 5.5b is modified in this way:
Between the play of two holes, a player must not:
- Make any practice stroke on or near the putting green of the hole just completed, or
- Test the surface of that putting green by rubbing the putting green or rolling a ball.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty.”