LOCAL RULE UPDATE: RELIEF FROM CRACKS IN THE GROUND Due to ongoing abnormal ground conditions, the committee has decided to extend the local rule to take place with immediate effect, to ensure fair play when cracks appear on the course. WHEN DOES THIS RULE APPLY You are entitled to free relief only when your ball lies in a crack (or the crack affects your swing) in any part of the 'general area'. You do not get free relief if the crack only interferes with your stance. HOW TO TAKE RELIEF If you have interference as describes above you may take free relief under rule 16.1b. Find your reference point: This is the "nearest point of complete relief" in the general area that is not nearer the hole and avoids the crack. Drop your ball: Drop the ball within one club-length of that reference point. The ball must stay in the "general area" (e.g., if you are on the fairway, your relief area must be in the fairway, if you are in the rough, your relief area must also be in the rough). PENALTY RESULTUING FROM PLAYING YOUR BALL IN THE WRONG PLACE Playing your ball from a "wrong place" (for example, taking relief for your stance when not permitted) will result in a General Penalty: Match Play: Loss of hole. Stroke Play: Two-stroke penalty.