The Local Rules are provided to players on the back of the scorecard and on the notice board on the Club storage shed near the first tee. From time-to-time there may be temporary local rules as well. These rules are in addition to the R&A Rules of Golf.

These are the Fairbairn Golf Club Local Rules as of February 2024 and replace any previously existing Local Rules.

1. Out of Bounds

Out of bounds is defined as beyond the boundary fences, white stakes/poles or white stakes/poles with black tops/stripes (or the extension of such fence line or stakes/poles).

2. Seams of Cut Turf

If a player's ball in the general area lies in or touches a seam of cut turf, or a seam interferes with the player's area of intended swing, the player may take relief under Rule Rule 16.1b. But interference does not exist if the seam only interferes with the player's stance. All seams within the area of cut turf are treated as the same seam in taking relief.

3. Abnormal Course Conditions (Rule 16)

1. Ground Under Repair (GUR) is defined by any area encircled by a white line or blue stakes. Free relief from GUR is allowed under Rule 16.1. GUR includes (whether marked or not):
   • All new/maintenance work.
   • Distinguishable machinery/vehicle tyre marks.
   • Bare patches or animal marks on the greens (when the ball is lying on the green).
2. Immovable Obstructions
   • All roads and paths on the course, even if not artificially-surfaced, are treated as immovable obstructions from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.
   • Landscaped garden areas, as defined by white stakes with green tops, are No Play Zones. Relief MUST be taken in accordance with Rule 16.1f.
   • Staked trees and staked shrubs that interferes with the area of intended swing, or immediate line of play (within two (2) club lengths) are No Play Zones and are ground under repair (the GUR includes the stake and any wrapping). Relief MUST be taken in accordance with Rule 16.1b.
   • Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1. The player also has these extra options to take relief when such immovable obstructions are within two (2) club lengths of the putting green and on the line of play.

4. Relief from Exposed Tree Roots and Rocks

If a player's ball is in the general area cut to fairway height and there is interference to the path of the club head from exposed tree roots and/or rocks, the tree roots and/or rocks are treated as Ground Under Repair. The player may, in consultation with their marker, take free relief of a one club length drop, under Rule 16.1b. Interference does not exist if the tree roots and/or rocks only interfere with the player's stance.

5. Pace of Play (Rule 5.6)

In the absence of mitigating circumstances, a group is liable to be timed if it is in excess of the time allowed and in the case of second or subsequent groups, out of position. From the commencement of timing, if any player exceeds 50 seconds on a first to play approach shot (including Par 3 tee shot), chip or putt, or 40 seconds if it is a tee shot or second or third to play shot, they shall be deemed to have had a bad time. See Main Notice Boards for penalties.

6. Penalty for Breach of Local Rule

Unless otherwise specified, any breach of the Local Rules will result in a General Penalty.