- New Temporary Local Rule
- Hole in One
- Marking the Green
- Coming Events
- Recent Results
- A member gives the course a face-lift
- Rules Quiz
- Know your Course
- A little Humour
As of 13th June 2019 the following local rule was brought into play. It will be in play until ground conditions improve in the Spring.
Preferred Lies
“When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:
- Reference Point: Spot of the original ball.
- Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: 30 cms from the reference point, but with these limits:
- Limits on Location of Relief Area:
>> Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
>> Must be in the general area.
In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General PenaltyUnder Rule 14.7a.”
(Reference : R&A and USGA Official Guide to the Rules of Golf Off Jan 2019, Model local rule E-3)
What does the term 'cut to fairway height or less' mean in a practical sense? It means any closely-mown area of the course that is cut to fairway height or less and includes such areas as paths cut through the rough, fairways, tee boxes and the fringe/apron to the green.
Procedure. The position of the ball must be marked first, then the ball lifted (and cleaned, if desired ). Then the ball must be placed on a spot no closer to the hole, and within 30 cm, of the reference mark ( the diagonal span of the score card , or the grip on most golf clubs are approximately 26cm).
Note. The ball is in play as soon as it's placed on the ground. If the player picks it up again and moves it he/she would incur a penalty stroke for 'moving his/her ball in play'.
Congratulations to the Woman's Club Captain for achieving a hole in one on the 14th hole last week. Jane Clifford is the first player to achieve this feat for nearly 18 months (over 4 years for any woman player). Something to which all golfers aspire, but few actually realise. Great shot Jane!
Would the player, who was responsible for marking the green, the 14th green pro-pin Saturday 15th June, in this fashion ( '>' ) please stop doing so. This is an UNACCEPTABLE practice and they will, in future, find themselves having to explain to the Captain why they should not be disqualified from the day's competition.
I will even provide a ball marker to use, if you don't have one spare.
- The sign up sheet is available in the Pro shop for the 4BBB John Owens Handicap Matchplay Knockout competition. The sheet closes on the 3rd of July. Check the online calendar for applicable match completion dates.
- The Foursomes Club Championship final will be contested between the teams of John Mellon/John Ferguson and Phil Jefferys/Craig Houden on the 30th of June. This is a 36 hole match, and will commence from the first tee at 08:30, with the second 18 holes commencing at 12:15. The matches will be accompanied by a referee. Please come along and add your support to the players on the day.
Wednesday 12th June. Another beautiful Highlands Winter day saw 47 players tee up to contest a 3 Person Aggregate Stableford competition. With 103 points, and on a count back, the team of Alan Turpie (21), Peter Stokes (28) and Tony Dick (27) secured the win. Pat Donoghue (22), John McGuire (25) and Peter Leon (15) just being edged out. There are 4 balls staying warm in the Eagle's nest (not won), John Mulholland won the NTP 11th and John Ferguson claimed the pro-pin. The DSR was 70.
Saturday15th June. A trophy event for the H. A. ( Harry ) Murdoch prize. Harry Murdoch is a name associated with a considerable history within the BGC, having held the job of Captain from 1956 - 1959, and again from 1971 - 1973. Harry also held the positions of President from 1960 - 1962 and Patron from 1978 - 1986. This year, the trophy went to Langdon Emery (16), with a score of 39 points from Peter Dunn (27) on 38 points. The best Stableford score on the day of 41 points came from John Oakes (21) who, as a country member, is ineligible to win the trophy. The balls in the eagle's nest are still there waiting for someone to win them. One of 6 visitors in the competition, Richard Bolton, claimed the NTP 11th and Tom Dunlop the Pro-pin. 68 players in the competition with visitors from Killara, Highlands, Bayview, Qantas Club and Royal Sydney. The DSR was 69.
Last week's quiz (go and read it now) created quite a conversation at the Saturday presentation. The answers to the two questions are,
1. The available options are :
- Take 2 club lengths 'lateral relief' from the last point of entry into the penalty area,
- Take 'back on the line relief' from the last point of entry into the penalty area,
- Take 'stroke and distance' relief at point from which the last shot was played, or
- Return to the teeing area and play another tee shot.
How did you go guessing the answer? Please feel free to join the gang at the Saturday afternoon presentation ceremony where the quiz for the week is discussed. There is a prize (which as of yet, has not been won, you could be the first winner!!).
This week's scenario.
The player's ball lies amongst the trees short of and to the right of the 5th green. When playing the next shot, the ball hits a tree and rebounds backwards (further from the green) behind the player, coming to rest against another tree. The player inspects the lie of the ball and determines it to be unplayable.
Questions,
- What are the available relief options, including club lengths to be applied?
- What is the applicable penalty?
Last week's prize was not won. The photo was of the 150m post and conifer on the 8th fairway. This week's photo is a much easier one, so send in your email guess (no mulligans I'm afraid) and the first correct answer wins the ball marker.
To which green is this seat/bin combo nearest?
A golfer sliced a ball into a field of chickens, striking one of the hens and killing it instantly. He was understandably upset, and sought out the farmer.
“I’m so sorry,” he said, “my terrible tee-shot hit one of your hens and killed it. Can I replace the hen?”
“I don’t know about that,” replied the farmer, mulling it over. “How many eggs a day do you lay?”
Go Enjoy a Game of Golf.