TGC Implementation of Model Local Rule E-5 to All Events

Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds

 

Please note: Our club has adopted this rule as of 1st January 2025.

 

 

We are pleased to announce that The Golf Collective is implementing a new Local Rule in line with the R&A’s 2019 Rules of Golf – specifically, Model Local Rule E-5: "Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds."

 

WATCH THE EXPLAINER VIDEO: CLICK HERE

 

 

What does this mean for you?

In simple terms, this rule provides you with an additional option when your ball is lost or out of bounds. Instead of the standard stroke-and-distance rule, you can now take a drop at a reference point (including a spot in the fairway) under a two-stroke penalty. This makes it easier and quicker to keep the game moving while maintaining fairness.

 

Here’s an example scenario:

Imagine one of our players, let’s say The Golf Collective's Events Manager, Richard, tees off and sends his ball into thick rough, potentially out of bounds (OOB) or lost.

 

Richard now has two options:

A) Play a Provisional Ball (Stroke and Distance): Before leaving the tee, Richard can announce he’s playing a provisional ball. He re-tees and hits his third shot from the tee box (his first shot being lost, the second as the penalty stroke). If his provisional ball finds the fairway, he’s now lying 3. If he doesn’t find the original ball within the 3-minute search window, he will play his 4th shot from the fairway.

B) Use the New Rule (Model Local Rule E-5): If Richard doesn’t hit a provisional ball, he can go to the area where his ball may have landed and start searching. If the ball isn’t found within 3 minutes, Richard can take a drop under the two-stroke penalty. He can drop the ball at either:

  • The Ball Reference Point: The point where his ball likely came to rest or crossed the boundary,
  • Or the Fairway Reference Point: A spot on the fairway near where the ball was lost.

In both cases, Richard will drop the ball within two club-lengths, no closer to the hole, and he’ll now be hitting his 4th shot – the same result as if he had played a provisional.

 

Key Notes:

  • This rule applies to all shots, not just tee shots. Whether it’s a lost approach shot, a fairway shot, or even a bunker shot that goes astray, this new rule can be used.
  • The goal is to make play faster and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Why The Golf Collective Made This Decision:

  • It is fully compliant with the Rules of Golf.
  • It speeds up the pace of play significantly.
  • It helps make our events more fun and less frustrating for players.

Why this Rule Might Work Better for You:

With the new option, you avoid situations where your provisional ball also ends up lost or out of bounds. If that happens under the provisional rule, you’d be re-teeing for the fifth time or worse! Under the new rule, you take the two-stroke penalty and continue from a more favorable position without the additional stress.

 

As always, if you have any questions or need further clarification about this new rule, feel free to ask one of our team members. We look forward to continuing to make your experience with The Golf Collective as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

 

 

E-5 Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds

Purpose: When a provisional ball has not been played, significant issues with pace of play can arise for a player needing to take stroke-and-distance relief for a ball that is out of bounds or cannot be found. This Local Rule allows a player to continue play without returning to the previous stroke location.

This Local Rule is appropriate for general play, casual rounds, or personal competitions but is not suited for professional or elite amateur competitions. For guidance on using this Local Rule for handicapping purposes, consult the rules or recommendations in the Handicap System of the local jurisdiction.

Relief Area and Penalty

The player may drop the ball in a large relief area between the point where the ball is estimated to have come to rest or gone out of bounds and the edge of the fairway of the hole being played, ensuring the spot is not nearer the hole. The player incurs two penalty strokes.

  • Ball Reference Point: The point where the original ball is estimated to have come to rest or last crossed the course boundary going out of bounds.
  • Fairway Reference Point: The nearest point on the fairway to the ball reference point but not nearer the hole.

Size of Relief Area

  • A line from the hole through the ball reference point (within two club-lengths to the outside of that line).
  • A line from the hole through the fairway reference point (within two club-lengths to the fairway side).

The relief area must be in the general area and not nearer the hole than the ball reference point. Once the player drops a ball, the original ball that was lost or out of bounds is no longer in play and must not be played, even if found before the three-minute search time expires.

Restrictions on Using This Local Rule

  • This rule cannot be used if the ball is known or virtually certain to be in a penalty area.
  • If a provisional ball has been played and is lost or out of bounds, the Local Rule may apply to the provisional ball.

Penalty for Breach of Local Rule

Playing the ball from a wrong place in breach of this Local Rule results in the general penalty (two strokes under Rule 14.7a).

For further details on the definitions and applications, consult the relevant sections of the USGA Rules of Golf.