Tree stump - relief, or no relief?

[Frewcrew]

I agree that you are entitled to relief from the stabilizing wires under Rule 24-2 as an immovable obstruction, but could you post the Local Rule that you say grants relief from the tree itself.

Below is an excerpt from our 2005 Local Rule sheet, which was handed to all players prior to competition.

RGC Local Rules:
1. Free Lift – From all roads and paths.
2. Free Lift – From areas marked GUR.
3. Stones may be removed from bunkers.
4. There are NO nurseries on the course.
5. The new tagged/staked trees are “obstructions” and shall be treated as follows (24-2):
• A player may take relief without penalty from the obstruction when it interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing.
• Line of play / Line of Sight is Not, of itself, interference under this Rule.
• A player may drop the ball within one club-length of the nearest point of relief.
• The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

[Frewcrew]

Exactly - thanks, Gary. That's why I asked that question too... there was no local rule saying that on the score card (but I have seen such local rules printed on cards at other courses) and didn't notice anything on the board by the proshop door either. You can't just "make it up" out there - you need to "point to something" to substantiate the claim.

RGC does not place Local Rules on their card, as the scorecard is busy enough. If you are in doubt as to a ruling, I would suggest playing 2 balls. The Pro Shop would be happy to provide any rulings you require.

[Gary Hill]

Since when is a tree an "obstruction"?

You may want to query the Committee on this point.

You might also contact the R.C.G.A. with these facts. I would be surprised if the R.C.G.A. were not interested in this new definition of obstructions.

[AAA]

5. The new tagged/staked trees are “obstructions” and shall be treated as follows (24-2):
• A player may take relief without penalty from the obstruction when it interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing.
• Line of play / Line of Sight is Not, of itself, interference under this Rule.
• A player may drop the ball within one club-length of the nearest point of relief.
• The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

This seems to be a shorthand version of Specimen Local Rule 2 - Protection of Young Trees

[Gary Hill]

The trees in question are 20-30 feet high.

[Frewcrew]

The trees in question are 20-30 feet high.

I have not measured the trees, but my estimation would be about 10-15 feet. After these trees were transplanted, they required stabilization & protection for one season (according to our forester). Therefore the committee implemented the Local Rule, which they believe falls under "Protection of Young Trees".

If you consider the committee to be in error, could you please post the RCGA's definition of "Young Trees", as the committee believes it should apply to time in the ground as well as height?

[Frewcrew]

This seems to be a shorthand version of Specimen Local Rule 2 - Protection of Young Trees

That was there intent

[Kiwi battler]

rule 3.3 isnt an option when playing matchplay i think ....so thats out

[Frewcrew]

rule 3.3 isnt an option when playing matchplay i think ....so thats out

Correct

All events including match play are provided a local rule sheet, as previously posted