The difference between the Rules of Golf (which are in effect by default) and Local Rules (which are in effect only if that particular Committee says so) is an important distinction for golfers to appreciate. Watching televised golf adds to the confusion, as often Local Rules are involved there that are not always in effect at the courses where we often play. Even professional golfers get tripped up occasionally, for example by incorrectly assuming that a Local Rule that is in effect one week is in effect the following week.
For each of the following, answer whether that situation is covered by a Rule of Golf (ROG) or Local Rule (LR):
1. A player may take line of play relief from a sprinkler head when his ball is within two club-lengths of the sprinkler head and the sprinkler head is within two club-lengths of the putting green.
Answer: LR
2. A player may take free relief for an embedded ball in the rough.
Answer: ROG (was a LR before 2019)
3. In both match play and stroke play, a player may practice putting or chipping on or near the last putting green.
Answer: ROG (a LR may prohibit this)
4. A player gets free relief if her ball lies in an aeration hole in the fairway.
Answer: LR
5. A player may remove a stone from a bunker in which his ball lies.
Answer: ROG (was a LR before 2019)
6. A player must take free relief from a decorative flower bed.
Answer: LR
7. A player may take free relief from a hole made by the maintenance staff.
Answer: ROG
8. A player must play the same brand and type of ball throughout the round.
Answer: LR
9. In a team competition, the team captain may give advice to members of the team.
Answer: LR
10. If a ball strikes a power line, the player must replay the stroke.
Answer: LR
John Morrissett is Competitions Director at Erin Hills and former Director of Rules of Golf for the USGA.
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