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Local Rules – Skerries Golf Club

Compiled by the Golf Committee | April 2026

This document contains the current Local Rules in effect at Skerries Golf Club. All members and visitors are expected to familiarise themselves with these rules. Unless otherwise stated, all rules below are in addition to the Rules of Golf as published by the R&A.

1. Out of Bounds (Rule 18) – White Stakes

A ball is out of bounds when it lies:

  • In or over all boundary ditches, fences, car park and paved area by the Professional’s shop.
  • On or over white lines or within areas defined by white stakes. (Note: white stakes between the 6th and 7th holes define an Out of Bounds area which applies during play of the 6th hole only).
  • On or over the concrete path defining the clubhouse enclosure.

2. Penalty Areas (Rule 17)

Penalty areas are defined by yellow or red stakes.

3. Abnormal Course Conditions including Immovable Obstructions (Rule 16.1)

Immovable Obstructions

The following are deemed immovable obstructions:

  • All paths, roadways and bridges
  • Fixed sprinkler heads
  • Irrigation covers
  • Embedded distance markers
  • Fixed tee-markers
  • Concrete benches
  • Shelters
  • Concrete/sleeper steps to tees
  • Fixed signage
  • Bell on 6th hole
  • White stakes between the 6th and 7th holes when playing any hole OTHER THAN the 6th hole.

Artificial Hole Covers

Relief may be taken from Artificial Hole Covers on Greens without penalty. A player may repair an Artificial Hole Cover by lifting it up or pushing it down to ensure it is level with the surface of the green.

Trees and Plantings – Blue Stakes

Relief may be taken from Trees and Plantings, identified by blue stakes, without penalty.

4. Artificial Hole Covers on Greens – Detailed Relief Procedure

In addition to the general provision in Rule 3 above, the following detailed relief procedure applies:

  1. If your ball is on the green and the Artificial Hole Cover is on the line of your putt you may place your ball on the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole. (Rule 16.1d)
  2. You may also obtain relief as above if your putting stance or area of intended swing is impeded by the Artificial Hole Cover (e.g. standing on it or touching it on your backswing or follow through). (Rule 16.1d)
  3. You may also repair the Artificial Hole Cover by lifting it up or pushing it down to ensure it is level with the surface of the green.

5. Pole Forked Holes on Greens

If your ball comes to rest in an indentation on the green caused by pole forking, relief may be taken under Model Local Rule E-4.

Essentially you can repair the aeration hole prior to taking your putt.

6. Bird Scaring Kites

Bird scaring kites have been erected in several areas to deter crows and other birds from damaging the greens.

These kites are considered Abnormal Course Conditions (ACC) and players may take relief under Rule 16.1 of the Rules of Golf. Relief is allowed when your ball touches the kite or when it physically interferes with your stance or swing.

Free Relief

Find the nearest point of complete relief and drop your ball within one club length of that spot, no closer to the hole.

7. Grass Clippings and Branches for Later Removal

Grass clippings and branches left for later removal by ground staff are regarded as Abnormal Course Conditions (ACC). Players are entitled to take free relief at the nearest point of relief (Rule 16.1).

Notes:

  1. A mere “light dusting” of grass clippings does not constitute a free drop.
  2. Relief does not include branches which are still attached to a tree.

8. Fallen Trees and Branches

Fallen trees and branches are regarded as Abnormal Course Conditions (ACC) and players are entitled to take free relief at the nearest point of relief (R&A Rule 16.1). Players should drop a ball at the nearest point of complete relief.

Notes:

  • Free relief is allowed when the ball touches or lies in or on the condition, or the condition interferes with the area of intended stance or swing.
  • The nearest point of complete relief when the ball touches the condition is very close to the condition.
  • The nearest point of complete relief when the stance is affected may be farther from the condition as the stance must be clear of the ACC.

9. Ground Under Repair (GUR)

Affected areas of Ground Under Repair are outlined in white paint. Larger areas will have an additional marking indicating GUR or “out of play”. Local rule effective: 2nd April 2026.

Where any areas are marked GUR, relief MUST be taken with regard to both area of intended swing and stance. Players must take relief under Rule 16.1 so that the ball is not played from the GUR area and feet are not placed in the GUR area.

Relief: Lift the ball and drop it, without penalty, within one club length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE: Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke Play – Two Strokes.

This Local Rule also applies to areas marked as temporary greens with a sign indicating “Play Prohibited”. Balls landing in such areas must be lifted and dropped in accordance with Rule 16.1.

10. Drainage Works and Course Works

Under Rule 16.1b, relief may be taken from all drainage works, including current or previous drainage works and associated machinery damage.

Relief may be taken when:

  1. Your ball comes to rest on current or previous drainage works.
  2. Machinery damage related to drainage/course works interferes with your stance or area of intended swing.

Relief procedure: Drop your ball within one club length of complete relief, not nearer the hole.

11. Tree Stumps and Exposed Roots

All tree stumps and exposed or upended roots of removed/fallen trees are treated as Abnormal Course Conditions (ACC). Relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.

Interference exists when the ball:

  1. Lies in or touches the stump or roots, or
  2. Interferes with the player’s stance or area of intended swing.

12. Mixed Competition (Temporary Local Rule)

For those players competing in a mixed competition, the course is deemed a practice area until the first tee time of that mixed competition (Rule 5.2).

This local rule allows members to play in both an earlier competition and the mixed competition on the same day.

All Local Rules are subject to review and may be updated by the Golf Committee.