Golf Question - GUR?

Question

When GUR has been marked on the course is relief always compulsory or is it the way it is worded in local rules. With the drop being may/must.

Answer 1

The rules say you "may" take relief from Ground Under Repair.  (Rule 25)

The committee may make a local rule that says you "must" take relief. This is done frequently if the area is environmentally sensitive. For example, if there are young trees, or if birds build nests and lay eggs there, etc. (Appendix I, section 3).

Answer 2

If there are local rules that state you "must" take relief then you have to. This is called mandatory or compulsory GUR.

Answer 3

PGA Rule 25: You "may" take relief.

The PGA definiation of may: an option.

This means that you don't have to take relief if you don't want. However, the course may decide to make a "must" or madatory. This means that you have to take the relief. Also, if there is wildlife, such as a bird's nest, you probably will be required to take relief, however the PGA rules book hands says nothing on the issue.

Normally when playing in a tourament, the supervising committee will issue a ruling on ground under repair and whether or not a drop is a "must".

I hope that this clears things up.