Local Rule 7 Explanation

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:  Creating these Penalty Areas allows a player to make a decision whether to play the ball as it lies (assuming it was found) or to take relief for one penalty stroke  from a point where the ball is believed to have entered the Penalty Area.    

In addition, if the ball cannot be found, the same process can be followed by using the point where the ball is believed to have entered the Penalty Area.

In previous website notes these have been described as ‘Ugly Areas’ as there were difficulties in deciding options to play a ball when it was found. In some situations in these areas, relief from a Lost Ball was not handled correctly. Note that, unlike other Penalty Areas on the Southern 8 holes, the penalty area for the small group of trees on Hole 14 is not marked with green topped stakes as it does not contain any environmentally sensitive conditions. Consequently it is acceptable to play the ball as it lies.  

For example, the trees to the left or  right of the fairway on Hole 16 will often catch a ball. As their branches reach to the ground they have been included in  this Local Rule. If your ball goes in one of those areas, if you can find it and wish to play it as it lies, there is no penalty. If you cannot find it, you take relief from the point where it entered the treed area.

See: Course Layout