2026 YLCGA Handbook

YLCGA HARD CARD 2026

1. Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2)
   Beyond any wall, fence, hedge or line of white stakes defining the boundary of the course. On or beyond any white line defining the boundary of the course.
2. Penalty Areas (Rule 17)
   When a penalty area adjoins a boundary, the penalty area edge extends to and coincides with the boundary. When a player’s ball is found in, or it is known or virtually certain to have come to rest in any penalty area where the ball last crossed the edge at a point that coincides with the boundary, opposite side relief is available under MLR B 2-1. Where a dropping zone is marked for a penalty area, it is an additional option for relief under penalty of one stroke. The dropping zone is a relief area, and the ball must be dropped in and come to rest in the relief area. Note: The part of a bridge which crosses a penalty area is in the penalty area.

3. Abnormal Course Conditions, including immovable obstructions (Rule 16):
   a) Ground under repair:
   i) Any area bounded by a white line, blue posts or with GUR notices;
   ii) any area of damaged ground considered by a Referee or Committee member to be abnormal;
   iii) seams of cut turf, relief for ball only: MLR F-7 is in effect;
   iv) French drains (stone filled drainage channels); v) painted yardage lines/dots: relief for ball only, in the general area cut to fairway height or less; MLR F-21.
   vi) young trees protected by stakes, collars or tubes are no play zones free relief under MLR E-10;
   vii) any flower beds or landscaped garden areas are no play zones with free relief under MLR E-8.
   b) Immovable obstructions:
   i) Any area bounded by a white line;
   ii) all artificially surfaced roads or paths, including wood chips (individual pieces of woodchip are loose impediments); MLR F-17
   iii) White lined areas and the immovable obstruction they tie-in to are treated as a single abnormal course condition. MLR F-3

4. Immovable Obstructions close to Putting Greens:
   In addition to the types of interference described in Rule 16.1a, when a ball lies in the general area, interference also exists if an immovable obstruction is: on the player’s line of play, is within two club lengths of the putting green, and is within two club lengths of the ball. Relief is available under MLR F-5. Exception: there is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable.

5. Integral Objects
   The following are integral objects, from which free relief is not allowed:
   a) Bunker liners in their intended position;
   b) Wires, cables, wrappings or other objects where they are closely attached to trees or other objects;
   c) Artificial retaining walls and pilings when located in penalty areas.

6. Temporary Immovable Obstructions ‘TIOs’ include on course score boards, plus any other TIOs listed in the additional Local Rules at the golf course. MLR F-23 is in effect.

7. Ball deflected by Power Line MLR E-11 is in effect for a ball hitting an overhead power line/cable (stroke must be cancelled and replayed).

8. Practice (Rule 5.2)
   a) In stroke play, Rule 5-2b is modified in this way: a player must not practise on the competition day on the course before or between rounds.
   b) In match play, Rule 5-2a is modified in this way: a player must not practise on the competition day on the course before or between rounds.
   c) All recognised practice areas may be used for practice on any day of the competition.

9. Clubs and Balls
   MLR G-1, MLR G-2 and MLR G-3 are in effect. Penalty for breach – disqualification. Note: an updated list of conforming clubs and balls is available on www.randa.org.

10. Time of Starting (Rule 5.3)
    Players must start at, and not before, the starting time established by the Committee. Rule 5.3a will be strictly enforced.

11. Pace of Play
    Please see YLCGA Pace of Play Policy. Penalties will be strictly imposed.

12. Use of Equipment (Rule 4.3)
    Rule 4.3a (4) is modified in this way: during a round a player must not listen to music on a personal audio or visual device.

13. Suspension of Play
    The following signals will be used to suspend and resume play:
    a) Immediate stop for imminent danger: one prolonged note of a siren (discontinue immediately).
    b) Stop for non-dangerous situation: three consecutive notes of a siren.
    c) Resumption of play: two consecutive notes of a siren (players must not resume play before).
    d) When play is stopped for imminent danger, all practice areas will be closed. Penalty for breach: disqualification.

Revised December 2025