Model Local Rule Rocks and Roots (Please Let Me Know Your Thoughts)

[Themightyoz]

I run tournaments and want to put in a local rule that allows relief from tree roots and rocks that are not loose impediments. We have some really terrible lies in some of our courses in my area and nobody is getting paid enough to break clubs. Let me know if you think the verbage for this rule makes sense.

Local Rule Roots and Rocks

You may move your ball from a tree root or buried rock one club length for free relief no closer to the hole. However you may not use this rule to get relief from a tree, bush, boulder, or other foliage hindering your swing. Your only option here is to play it as it lies or take an unplayable for a one stroke penalty.

[DaveP043]

Have you looked at Model Local Rule F-9 Relief from Tree Roots in or Close to Fairway?  You could extend this to cover exposed rocks.  The rule is recommended to be used only for areas relatively near the fairway, a player who hits a shot 20 yards in the woods doesn't really deserve relief.  

31 minutes ago, Themightyoz said:

nobody is getting paid enough to break clubs

Players can always take Unplayable Ball relief, they're not required to play it from a rock or a root.  Of course, they hate to take the penalty stroke too.

[Themightyoz]

Cool here's my tweak,

"If a player’s ball lies in the general area and there is interference from exposed tree roots or exposed rocks that are in the fairway or 1 club length from the fairway the tree roots and exposed rocks are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.[But relief is not allowed if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance.]

[Elmer]

1 hour ago, Themightyoz said:

Cool here's my tweak,

"If a player’s ball lies in the general area and there is interference from exposed tree roots or exposed rocks that are in the fairway or 1 club length from the fairway the tree roots and exposed rocks are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.[But relief is not allowed if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance.]

I get trying to limit relief to the fairway, but how many roots do you typically find in the fairway?

Our local rule allows for relief from roots & rocks anywhere on the course (that is in play).
My home course has quite a few 100 year old oaks that separate the fairways.
Lift and move the ball no closer to the hole.
None of us want to damage clubs.

[DaveP043]

31 minutes ago, Elmer said:

I get trying to limit relief to the fairway, but how many roots do you typically find in the fairway?

Our local rule allows for relief from roots & rocks anywhere on the course (that is in play).
My home course has quite a few 100 year old oaks that separate the fairways.
Lift and move the ball no closer to the hole.
None of us want to damage clubs.

In general, granting free relief anywhere on the course isn't recommended.  Similarly, when marking GUR, the VSGA and MAPGA generally don't mark areas that are well away from the intended playing lines, no matter how poor the conditions.  If you hit it far enough offline, you don't necessarily deserve free relief.  And you don't have to damage clubs, take unplayable relief, take the stroke, and drop the ball in a better spot.

[Themightyoz]

3 hours ago, DaveP043 said:

In general, granting free relief anywhere on the course isn't recommended.  Similarly, when marking GUR, the VSGA and MAPGA generally don't mark areas that are well away from the intended playing lines, no matter how poor the conditions.  If you hit it far enough offline, you don't necessarily deserve free relief.  And you don't have to damage clubs, take unplayable relief, take the stroke, and drop the ball in a better spot.

I kind of like this interpretation especially if you think about it the unplayable rule would probably put you in a better spot.  using back on the line releief.