Rules for the pitch
1. Out (Rule 18.2)
Out-of-bounds areas are marked by white stakes. Where white lines mark the boundary of the course, these take precedence.
Furthermore, the following internal out-of-bounds rule applies:
When playing hole 17, the stakes on the right mark the out-of-bounds boundary.
When playing hole 18, they are immovable obstructions.
2. Unusual course conditions (ground under repair, immovable obstructions) (Rule 16.1)
a) Ground under repair is marked by white circles and/or blue stakes.
If both are present, the line applies.
b) Even without marking, the following constitutes ground under repair:
- Newly sown grass
- Freshly laid turf
c) New plantings, marked with stakes, collars, tape or ropes, are unusual
course conditions.
d) Relief from an animal hole is not granted if only the stance is obstructed.
e) The white stakes on the right when playing hole 18 are also immovable obstructions.
3. Prohibited areas (Rule 2.4) are:
a) Areas of ground under repair.
If the ball lies in such an area, relief without penalty must be taken in accordance with Rule 16.1f.
b) The penalty areason holes 1 and 5, marked by red stakes with green tops.
- If the ball lies in the prohibited area, it must not be played as it lies and the player must take relief with a penalty stroke under Rule 17.1e.
- If the ball lies outside the prohibited area but with part of it in the prohibited area, and this hinders the player’s intended stance or swing, the player must take relief without penalty under Rule 16.1f(2).
Entering a prohibited area may be regarded as serious misconduct in breach of Rule 1.2.
4. The waste areas on holes 6, 11 and 13 are terrain.
They are marked by red and white stakes.
5. Drop zones
A drop zone has been established in front of the frontal water hazards (penalty areas) on holes 1, 5, 8* and 9. If a player’s ball lies in a
penalty area, or if it is known or virtually certain that the ball came to rest in a penalty area even though it has not been found, the player has the following options for relief, each incurring a one-stroke penalty
:
- They may take relief under Rule 17.1, or
– as an additional option – drop the original ball or another ball within the drop zone.
The drop zones are relief areas under Rule 14.3
The size of the relief area for each drop zone is measured from the sign marking the drop zone and extends one club-length no closer to the hole.
* The penalty area when playing hole 8 also includes the water hazard to the right of the bridge on hole 7
6. Suspension of play due to danger (Rule 5.7)
Signal tones when play is suspended:
- immediate suspension of play (danger) = one long beep
- Suspension of play = three short tones repeated
- Resumption of play = two short blasts repeated
Irrespective of this, any player may, at their own discretion, suspend play in the event of a lightning hazard (Rule 5.7a).
Unless the Rules of Golf provide for a different penalty, the following applies:Penalty for a breach of a local rule: basic penalty
Notes:
Distance markers to the front of the green Flag positions on the green:
200 m Yellow fairway marker + post with three rings white flag : front third
150 m Red fairway marker + post with two rings blue flag : middle third
100 m White fairway marker + post with one ring red flag : rear third
50 m Blue fairway marker
Ready Golf: When playing stroke play, please play ‘Ready Golf’ in a safe and responsible manner.
The Code of Conduct (see Rule 1.2b) and the GC Emstal Rules of Play apply; these can be viewed at the club office and on the notice board.
Please note:
> ALWAYS give way to the greenkeepers
> follow the marshals’ instructions
> repair pitch marks
> replace divots and tamp them down
> rake and level bunkers and waste areas, and return the rakes to the bunkers
> Dogs on a lead are permitted provided the guidelines in the current dog policy are followed (by members)
As of May 2025