The weather conditions and the necessary course maintenance have made the course challenging for us all. With this in mind, a decision has been made to help both the course and the playing conditions for the enjoyment of the golfer.
Therefore, with immediate effect we are introducing a new temporary local rule:
Model Local Rule E-3 "When any part of a player's ball touches part of the general area (not wholly in a hazard), 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: 1 club length from the reference point, but with these limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
o Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
o 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. But, for the purposes of applying Rule 14.2e, the player has only chosen the spot on which to place the ball once the ball has been set down, and the player has let the ball go with the intent for that ball to be in play. After a ball has been placed and is in play under this Local Rule, if the player then proceeds under another Rule that provides relief, this Local Rule may be used again. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a."

This new temporary local rule will be regularly reviewed and withdrawn when the conditions improve.

Kind Regards
Steve Nicholson
General Manager
Hillingdon Golf Club