Benton Hall Golf & Country Club - Temporary Local Rules

Last updated: 7th July 2025

This page contains a list of Temporary Local Rules that are currently in place due to specific course conditions or other temporary factors. These rules will be regularly reviewed and updated as and when appropriate.

The Local Rules page displays a full list of the existing Local Rules that apply at all times.

Preferred Lies (  Model Local Rule E-3 )

When any part of a player's ball touches part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:

• Reference Point: Spot of the original ball.
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: 6 inches from the reference point, but with these limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
  
  • Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
    
  • Must be in the general area.

In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under  Rules 14.2b(2) and  14.2e. But, for the purposes of applying  Rule 14.2e, the player has only chosen the spot on which to place the ball once the ball has been set down, and the player has let the ball go with the intent for that ball to be in play.

After a ball has been placed and is in play under this Local Rule, if the player then proceeds under another Rule that provides relief, this Local Rule may be used again.

Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under  Rule 14.7a."

Note: The "Preferred Lies" rule was brought back into use from Monday 7th July 2025. The "Cleaning Ball" rule was rescinded on 1st April 2025.