Local Sharp Park Rules (and SPBWGC Rules!)
The 6-Inch Bump
Golfers can always improve their lie by six (6) inches through the green including the rough (except hazards). This is a SPBWGC local rule.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
If the ball settles in ESA in LATERAL WATER HAZARD, you CANNOT play it even if you find, or see it. There is no free drop (it is a hazard). To take relief,
When the ball comes to rest NEAR, but NOT IN, environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) (including lateral water hazards) interference by an ESA occurs when the ESA interferes with the players stance, or area of his/her intended swing:
Tips on Impacted Holes:
HOLE # 12
Environmentally Sensitive Areas on both the right and left side. If the ball enters EITHER SIDE, regardless of whether it is behind the drop area or not—GO TO DROP AREA.
HOLE #15
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) are located directly in front of the tee box, (high reeds), plus on the other side of reeds in the heavy grasses. If the tee shot does not clear these areas, move on to the fairway. DO NOT ENTER THE ESA IN SEARCH OF THE BALL.
Ball Comes to Rest in Ice Plants
If the ball comes to rest in the ice plants (prevalent on hole #16), the player has two options:
Interior Fences (on Holes #1 and #15)
If the ball comes to rest near the interior fences and the player's swing/stance is impeded,
Golfers can always improve their lie by six (6) inches through the green including the rough (except hazards). This is a SPBWGC local rule.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
If the ball settles in ESA in LATERAL WATER HAZARD, you CANNOT play it even if you find, or see it. There is no free drop (it is a hazard). To take relief,
- Under penalty of one stroke, drop ball at the spot where ball last crossed the margin of lateral water hazard. Drop 2 club lengths outside the hazard.
When the ball comes to rest NEAR, but NOT IN, environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) (including lateral water hazards) interference by an ESA occurs when the ESA interferes with the players stance, or area of his/her intended swing:
- determine nearest point of relief (outside of ESA), up to 1 club length away, and take a drop. There is no penalty
Tips on Impacted Holes:
HOLE # 12
Environmentally Sensitive Areas on both the right and left side. If the ball enters EITHER SIDE, regardless of whether it is behind the drop area or not—GO TO DROP AREA.
HOLE #15
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) are located directly in front of the tee box, (high reeds), plus on the other side of reeds in the heavy grasses. If the tee shot does not clear these areas, move on to the fairway. DO NOT ENTER THE ESA IN SEARCH OF THE BALL.
- There will NOT be a Designated Drop Area
- Measure a 2 club-length relief from edge of heavy grasses (mid-width of fairway), add ONE stroke as penalty, and play on.
- In this situation, when measuring the 2 club-length relief, ball will be, and can be moved closer to the hole, as The Law of Equity applies.
Ball Comes to Rest in Ice Plants
If the ball comes to rest in the ice plants (prevalent on hole #16), the player has two options:
- Play it where it lies, with no penalty (but good luck!)
- Under penalty of one stroke, place the ball back on the fairway, two club lengths from approximate point of entry into the ice plant, no closer to the hole. (If you do not find the ball in ice plant, drop another ball in the same manner.)
Interior Fences (on Holes #1 and #15)
If the ball comes to rest near the interior fences and the player's swing/stance is impeded,
- Under NO penalty, find nearest point of relief (no nearer the hole) and drop within one club length