Dear Member, Please see below local rule effective from Monday 5th October 2026 until further notice: When a player’s ball lies on a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, it may be lifted once, without penalty, and may be cleaned. The player must then replace the original ball, or another, on a spot within a relief area. • Reference Point: The spot of the original ball. • Relief Area: The size of the relief area is up to 6 inches (150 mm) from the reference point, not nearer the hole, and which is 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 the ball under rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e. Penalty for breach of Local Rule: General Penalty (Matchplay: loss of hole, Strokeplay: two stroke penalty) Note: When lifting a ball it is recommended that a player marks the position of the ball to establish a fixed reference point Where the ball lies on a part of the general area not cut to fairway height or less, it must be played as it lies. Golf that is acceptable for Handicap Whilst preferred lies are on 'closely mown' areas only, we are able to continue playing competitions that are 'Acceptable for Handicap'. We will continue to do this for as long as playing conditions allow. Best wishes Handicap & Competitions Committee