Model Local Rule E-2 When a player's ball lies in the general area, the ball may be lifted, cleaned and replaced without penalty. The player must mark the spot of the ball before lifting it and the ball must be replaced on its original spot.
Model Local Rule E-3 If any part of a player's ball touches 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 within 30cm of the original ball, no nearer the hole. The place of the original ball should be marked first. Note the General Area does not include the Teeing Area, Penalty Areas, Bunkers or the Putting Green.
With Rule E-2 and E-3 both in place from Saturday, they effectively means 30cm preferred lies on areas cut to fairway height or less, but balls that are not on the fairway can only be lifted and cleaned, but must be placed back back where they originally lay. It is only balls that are on fairways that are allowed to be moved 30cm. As usual, separate relief may be taken from abnormal course conditions such as temporary water.
The introduction of E-2 and E-3 gives a fairer application of relief as players in the rough are not benefitting from being able to improve their line of play by moving the ball 30cm. The rule is designed to allow relief from muddy conditions with out assisting an errant shot.
Players are reminded that it is their responsibility to know the rules and play by them.
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