Amaboknaai

From Cape Town, living in Surrey (UK), played in SA, most recently January '07 (Arabella, King David and Metropolitan). Going back to CT again Fri 23rd March for another 2 weeks of sunny golf. Where you from?

I am from the UK - Surrey, England...

@Bill H Rule 25-1-c can only be applied if there is "reasonable evidence to that effect", referring to a ball lost after having been struck toward an abnormal ground condition[/] is lost in such condition. This would include leaves only if they have been collected into a pile for removal (treated as GUR, in effect), i.e. not if they have naturally collected. "Reasonable Evidence" does not take into account doubtful evidence. The ball would have to have been seen to have rolled into the pile earmarked for removal, or else play under Rule 27-1 applies (Lost Ball). Abnormal Ground conditions are also quite specific and are defined as (and I don't like quoting - these are not my words, but a Definition in The Rules): an abnormal ground condition is any casual water, ground under repair or hole, cast or runway on the course made by a burrowing animal , a reptile or a bird. No mention of leaves (last phrase is mine tho!) Obviously, this would only apply if the ball is "lost" and not found. If it has been found, "play it as it lies" applies, or take a penalty drop in terms of Rule 28. Whew - that was long winded, but quicker than calling out John Paramor! Obviously, if a Local Rule 33-8 (b) is applied, it cannot conflict with The Rules of Golf unless ratified by the R&A.; Got an early round tomorrow morning at www.silvermere-golf.co.uk 08h42 UK time. Predicted weather up to 70mph winds.....no driver required!

We play the game as per The Rules of Golf i.e. if you can't find your ball - back to the tee, or the position where you played your last shot from, taking a penalty. If not, then you get a DSQ and lose all bets... Makes you think about taking out the driver when the 3 iron will do - course management over ego!

There are less "American Style" courses - which is what they refer to the perfectly manicured courses with wide open fairways and lots of bunkers around the greens. Courses here tend to be aggregated into: 1. Links courses - built between beach and land - ie on the area "linking" land and sea. They are usually devoid of trees and the rough is left to grow without cutting back. Because of the sea air, you do not get massive fast growth. Typified with deep pot bunker and dune areas. Typified by St Andrews, Carnoustie, Hoylake 2. Heathland courses - built inland with fewer trees. Fairways usually lined with gorse and bushes as opposed to trees. More manicured than links, but not as much as parkland. http://www.camberleyheathgolfclub.co.uk/ 3. Parkland courses - tree lined fairways, narrower fairways (usually) typical of Wentworth as per World Matchplay. 4. American Style Parkland - as you are more familiar with such as http://www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk/hm/hm.aspx See here http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk As an ex-South African living and playing in the UK and used to hot weather, the weather in the south of England is not all that bad end of March-end of December. Jan/Feb are a bit miserable and cold....but the type of courses here are adapted to the weather. Come over....

Thanks for the reply. Your club looks lovely! Epsom & Ewell have a number of good clubs in the vicinity, as does the whole of Surrey. cost of play seems a lot cheaper in NZ than here...

Hi everyone... South African living in Surrey, England for 6 years. Member at Silvermere http://www.silvermere-golf.co.uk . Playing for 12 months now and seeing the better side of 19 handicap. Took 10 years off golf to sail, but the weather is too crappy here to justify the 50 mile drive each way to The Solent for "no sailing", so back at the greens...