Sand Greens Rules
LOCAL RULES FOR SAND GREENS
The following Local Rules apply as issued by Golf
Australia. The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance with
these Local Rules, will apply, and they are to be read in conjunction
with these special Rules for Sand Greens.
Etiquette
1. The last player to hole his ball on the putting green should empty
the hole of sand and ensure that the flagstick is centred in the
hole.
2. A fellow competitor or the opponent of the last player to hole out
shall cause the sand within three smoother-widths of the hole to be
smoothed, with the smoother edge of the implement t provided (not the
rake edge).
Definitions
Putting Green – The putting green is the sanded portion specially
prepared for putting. The Committee shall define the perimeter of the
putting green. The term “Sand” in these rules shall mean all
material used by the Committee.
Smoother – The smoother is the implement provided or approved by
the Committee for use by players smoothing the putting green preparatory
to putting. The blade of the smoother must not be less than 60cm in
length.
Hole – For the purpose of Section II, Definition of the Rules of
Golf, a lining having an inner diameter of 108mm may be used provided
that, when sunk, its upper edge is not more than 6mm below the putting
green surface.
Loose Sand – Sand and loose soil on a sand green is not a loose
impediment.
Rules
1. Smoothing
When the ball lies on the putting green, or within
one club length of the putting green, the line from the player’s
ball to the hole may be smoothed subject to the following
considerations:-
1.1 The smoother
shall be DRAWN and not pushed.
1.2 The player is allowed a maximum of two smooths per putt. Where a
rake and smoother are provided, the rake shall only be used for the
first smooth, provided the final smooth is made with the smoother.
1.2.1 Ball on the Putting Green
The putting green shall be smoothed in one consistently weighted and
continous action once from a point beyond the spot where the
player’s ball was lifted to the hole, and in the same line at
least two club-lengths beyond the hole, or in the reverse order at the
option of the player. If the player elects to make a second smooth, the
second smooth shall be in the reverse direction of the first smooth.
1.2.2 Ball within One Club Length of the Putting Green
If a ball is within one club length of the putting green, the player may
smooth in one consistently weighted and continuous action once from the
defined perimeter of the putting green on a line from the ball to the
hole, to at least two club-lengths beyond the hole, or in the reverse
order at the option of the player. If the player elects to make a second
smooth, the second smooth shall be in the reverse se direction of the
first smooth.
1.2.3 Use of Rake and Smoother (New Clause 2000)
Notwithstanding the above clauses, if a rake and a smoother are provided
by the club, the rake may only be used for the first smooth, and may be
used from the near side of the hole (not from beyond the hole, so as to
avoid damage). A second smooth, with the smooth edge, must then be made
back in the opposite direction, beyond the hole as in 1.2.1 and 1.2.2
above.
1.3 The smoother shall be used in such a manner that there shall not be
any ridge or heaping of sand which could operate to a player’s
advantage. The player may be required by his fellow competitor or
opponent, without penalty to the player, to remove any ridge or heap of
sand. If the player’s ball is deflected by a ridge of sand a the
edge of the smoothed portion, there is no penalty and the stroke may not
be replayed.
1.4 The smoother may be used by the player, or any person authorized by
him, but the player shall at all times be responsible for any breach of
the Rules or Local Rules.
1.5 During the play of the hole, the player is permitted to remove weeds
growing on the putting green.
1.6 In the smoothing of sand where a loose impediment causes a mark to
be made on the surface of the sand which:
1.6.1 in the opinion of the opponent or the marker or a fellow
competitor, will be of assistance to the player, the loose impediment
may be removed and the surface shall be re-smoothed once only.
1.6.2 In the opinion of the player, will be detrimental to him, the
loose impediment may be removed and the surface may be re-smoothed once
only.
1.7 Damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball shall not
be repaired other than in the normal course of smoothing as per Rule
1.2.
2. Lifting, Marking and Replacing the Ball
2.1 The position of the ball shall be marked and lifted preparatory to
smoothing by the player, his partner or by any person authorized by the
player. It shall be replaced only by the player, his partner or the
person who lifted it and it must be replaced at the spot from which it
was lifted.
The player shall at all times be responsible for any breach of the Rules
or Local Rules.
2.2 If the player does not wish to smooth the putting surface prior to
playing a ball at rest on the green after any stroke, the ball may be
lifted and placed within five (5cm) of where it last came to rest but
not nearer the hole.
The recommended method of marking the ball is:
Before lifting the ball, two straight lines AB and AC are scratched in
the sand as shown in Figure 1. These lines should extend sideways from
the ball. “A” is the marked position of the ball. When the
smooth is completed, those portions of the lines represented by AD and
AE in Figure 2 will be obliterated. “A” can readily be
located by projecting the lines BD and CE until they meet. The point of
intersection will be “A” and the ball must be replaced on
that spot.
3.Ball Holed
A ball shall be deemed to be holed within the meaning of Section 2 of
the Rules of Golf when it lies wholly within the circumference of the
hole even if by reason of sand left within the hole all of the ball is
not below the level of the lip of the hole.
4.Excess Sand in Cup
Players are permitted to empty the hole of excess sand at any time
subject to sand green Rule 1-3 above.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF THESE
SPECIAL RULES
MATCH PLAY – LOSS OF HOLE
STROKE PLAY – TWO STROKES
