Many Potential Local Rules "Hidden" in Decisions - Why?

[bkuehn1952]

Like many people who casually review the Rules, my knowledge of Local Rules was limited to Appendix I at the end of the Rules book.  More knowledgeable people often would cite other Local Rules that could solve unique issues, like animal hoof prints on the green. From where were these Local Rules coming?

Rule 33 - Committee - Decisions

Decisions 33-8/1-40 list a number of situations.  Some have USGA approved Local Rules.  Some situations were rejected.  My issue with deer hoof prints across the green is solved by 33-8/32 

"Other than on the putting green, damage that is clearly identifiable as having been caused by animal hoofs is ground under repair (Rule 25-1applies).  Such damage on the putting green may be repaired (Rule 25-1 does not apply)." 

My rhetorical question is, why not give us a hint that all potentially available Local Rules are not listed in Appendix I?  Beats me!

[Martyn W]

3 hours ago, bkuehn1952 said:

Like many people who casually review the Rules, my knowledge of Local Rules was limited to Appendix I at the end of the Rules book.  More knowledgeable people often would cite other Local Rules that could solve unique issues, like animal hoof prints on the green. From where were these Local Rules coming?

Rule 33 - Committee - Decisions

Decisions 33-8/1-40 list a number of situations.  Some have USGA approved Local Rules.  Some situations were rejected.  My issue with deer hoof prints across the green is solved by 33-8/32 

"Other than on the putting green, damage that is clearly identifiable as having been caused by animal hoofs is ground under repair (Rule 25-1applies).  Such damage on the putting green may be repaired (Rule 25-1 does not apply)." 

My rhetorical question is, why not give us a hint that all potentially available Local Rules are not listed in Appendix I?  Beats me!

Your hint is in the first paragraph of the appendix:

General

As provided in Rule 33-8a, the Committee may make and publish Local Rules for local abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policies established in this Appendix. In addition, detailed information regarding acceptable and prohibited Local Rules is provided in "Decisions on the Rules of Golf" under Rule 33-8 and in "How to Conduct a Competition."