Local Rules In Operation 

Preferred Lies 

When a player's ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:

Reference Point: Spot of the original ball.
Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: 6 inches from the reference point, but with these limits:
Limits on Location of Relief Area:
Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
Must be 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  a ball under Rules 14.2b (2) and 14.2e."

Immovable Obstructions

The official advice from England Golf at present is that post and rope and any yardage and hazard markers should be defined as an 'immovable obstruction' and treated as such. The reason for this is that they could be seen as an opportunity for Covid to be transmitted and therefore in line with the guidance we are making the decision to define them all as a 'immovable' obstruction until further notice.

Relief to be taken under  Rule 16 of the Rules of Golf if the players area of intended stance or swing is affected, not line of play. Please pay particular attention to the following wording within the rule:

"Free relief is allowed when the ball is in the general area and there is interference by an abnormal course condition. The nearest point of complete relief should be identified and a ball must be dropped in and come to rest in the relief area. The relief area is one club-length from the reference point, is not nearer to the hole than the reference point and must be in the general area. When taking relief, the player must take complete relief from all interference by the abnormal course condition."

Unfortunately if you take relief and then your ball hits the rope, post or marker you do not incur a penalty but you must play it as it lies. This is covered under Rule 11 of the rules of golf as below:

"If a player’s ball in motion accidentally hits any person or outside influence, the ball must be played as it lies"