The applicable Local Rules are published on the back of each scorecard. The following Additional Local Rules are also in effect.
Provisional Ball
This rule permits the play of a provisional ball under Rule 26-1 for a ball that may be in a water hazard of such character that if the original ball is not found, there is reasonable evidence that it is lost in the water hazard and it would be impracticable to determine whether the ball is in the hazard or to do so would unduly delay play. The ball is played provisionally under any of the available options under Rule 26-1 or any applicable Local Rule. In such a case, if a provisional ball is played and the original ball is in a water hazard, the player may play the original ball as it lies or continue with the provisional ball in play, but he may not proceed under Rule 26-1 with regard to the original ball.
Embedded ball: "Through the Green"
When course conditions exist that might interfere with proper playing of the game, including mud and extreme wetness warranting relief for an embedded ball, this rule permits the lifting, cleaning and dropping the ball. Without penalty, as near as possible to the spot where it lay, not nearer the hole, anywhere through the green including the rough.
Distant measuring devices
A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (i.e. gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used.
Drop Areas
The following drop areas have been established per Appendix 1 of the Rules of Golf.
#6 at The Players Club – Ball drop provided on bridge if second shot goes into hazard.
#7 at The Players Club (Men) – Ball drop provided on bridge if tee location is behind hazard.
Aeration holes
Through the green, a ball which comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green. On the putting green, the player shall place the ball at the nearest spot not nearer the hole which avoids the situation.
Note that the USGA does not give one club-length relief for a ball coming to rest in an aeration hole through the green. Relief in this case is just like dropping from an embedded ball - drop as close to the spot as possible.
Stones in bunkers
Stones in bunkers are deemed to be Movable Obstructions which can present a danger to players and thus may be moved.
Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Greens
Relief, without penalty, may be taken from any irrigation head if the irrigation head lies within two club-lengths of the putting green and your ball lies within two club-lengths of the irrigation head. The ball must be lifted and dropped at the nearest point where the ball lay that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids the intervention and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green.
Landscaped Areas
A white pole with a green cap will mark all landscaped areas that are entitled to a free drop. The player may drop one club length outside the landscaped area but not closer to the hole. If a white pole with a green cap is not found in a mulched pine straw area then the ball is in play.
Ground Under Repair
Ground Under Repair is normally defined by white lines or white stakes. If defined by white lines the line itself is in the ground under repair. Even if not marked, the following is considered ground under repair: materials piled for removal, a hole made by a greens keeper, fire ant beds and mounds, French drains (trenches filled with stones or the like). The ball may be dropped within one club, no closer to the hole, without penalty.
Fans
Fans near the greens are considered Temporary Immovable Obstructions. If the fan interferes with swing, stance or line of flight, the ball may be dropped within one club length, no closer to the hole, without penalty.
Pace Of Play Policy
USGA rules state that it is the group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. Player assistants may ask your group to catch up to the group in front of you if you are slow.
The time on your monitor indicates the maximum time you should be using to play. If a player assistant approaches your group on multiple occasions for slow play and you are still more than a full hole behind the group in front of you, the player assistant will direct your group to move to the correct position on the course.
Please understand that this policy will be enforced only when it is actually necessary to move a group that is slowing groups behind them and there is more than one hole open in front of them. For example: A group playing at 3:00 pm with no golfers in front of them and no one behind them will not be expected to move “into position”. The purpose of this policy is to help with groups that are slowing down pace of play on the golf course during busy times.
Inclement Weather Policy
The Clubs at St. James Plantation do not possess an inclement weather (i.e. Lightning, thunderstorms, etc) early warning or detection system. Members and/or guests are advised that they play at their own risk and The Clubs at St. James Plantation are under no obligation to warn, retrieve, and/or remove anyone from the golf course due to inclement weather. Members and/or guests may suspend their round at any time upon their own determination of the dangers existing, impending or threatened inclement weather and any refund or credit will be issued in accordance with The Clubs at St. James Plantation’s Rain Check Policy. Neither Troon Golf, nor The Clubs at St. James Plantation are responsible for injuries or damages resulting from inclement weather.
Policy Regarding Minors on the Golf Courses
Safety is the ultimate concern in all St. James golf operations. Young children on golf courses or practice areas are at great risk of unintentionally standing too close to a player's swing path and they may not be aware of other safety factors such as when or where to hold onto the grab rail of a golf cart. Due to these and other safety concerns, the following rules apply to children at The Clubs at St. James Plantation: children aged four years or younger are not permitted in golf carts, on the golf courses, or on the practice ranges of The Clubs at St. James Plantation at any time.
Children are not allowed to be held by a passenger or driver in a golf cart, nor are they allowed to sit in the lap of anyone in a golf cart. Children ages 5 to 11 may only ride on a golf cart if accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who accepts full responsibility for their safety and behavior. In order to operate a golf cart, a golfer must be at least 16 years of age and in possession of a valid drivers license. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the golf course unless they are specifically registered with the Golf Shop to play golf. Junior rates are available at all times.
