Tehidy is an 18 Hole Par 71 Parkland Course, offering a challenging round for golfers of all abilities. It is currently a mixture of open holes, some with streams at strategic points, many with tree-lined fairways, and nine holes where out-of-bounds comes into play.
The lakes to which we have previously referred also play a part on four holes, especially the 193-yard, Par 3, 5th, where a carry from the medal tee of close to 170 yards is required to ensure safety. It is no exaggeration to say that of the thousands who have visited the course over the years, few have left with a view other than that Tehidy Park is a good, fair test of golf.
1. Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2)
(i) On top or beyond any boundary wall, fence, line of white posts and on or beyond any line of white paint defining the boundary of the course.
(ii) On or beyond the road to the right of the 6th hole.
(iii) On or beyond the pathways surrounding the clubhouse.
(iv) The clubhouse, the green keepers compound and the car park.
2. Penalty Areas (Rule 17)
Yellow penalty areas are identified by yellow posts/stakes.
Red penalty areas are identified by red posts/stakes.
(When lines are used, the lines define the margin. Otherwise the margin should be taken along the natural limits of the penalty area. Where the ground breaks down to form the depression containing the water).
3. Abnormal Course Conditions (Rule 16.1)
Ground Under Repair:
(i) Any area encircled by a white or blue line.
Immovable Obstructions
(i) All artificially surfaced paths, and the metalled road running East to West across the course.
(ii) The rockery adjacent to the putting green.
(iii) The pump house and surrounding wall at the rear of the 7th green. (In the interests of safety, balls must not be retrieved).
4. Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Green (e.g. Sprinkler Heads)
In addition to the types of interference described in Rule 16.1a, when a ball lies in the general area, interference also exists if an immovable obstruction is on the player’s line of play, is within two club-lengths of the putting green, and is within two club-lengths of the ball. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.
(Exception – There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable).
5. Tree Stumps
If a player’s ball is in the general area and there is interference from tree stumps, the tree stumps are treated as ground under repair. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.
6. Relief from Aeration Holes
If a player’s ball lies in or touches an aeration hole:
(i) Ball in General Area: The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.
(ii) Ball on Putting Green: The player may take relief under Rule 16.1d.
Staked Trees – The young trees identified by stakes are no play zones:
If a player’s ball lies anywhere on the course other than in a penalty area and it lies on or touches such a staked tree or such a staked tree interferes with the player’s area of intended stance or area of intended swing, the player must take relief under Rule 16.1b, by dropping within one club length of the nearest point of relief.
Robot Mowers
Ball Comes to Rest Against a Robot Mower or Blocks the Player’s Stance or Swing.
Rule Applied: Immovable Obstruction (Rule 16.1)
If the mower is not in motion, it is treated as an immovable obstruction.
The player may take free relief by dropping the ball within one club-length from the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole. (Agreement must be made between playing partners).
Robot Mower Moves the Ball
Rule Applied: Ball Moved by Outside Influence (Rule 9.6)
If the mower accidentally moves the ball, there is no penalty to any player.
The ball must be replaced at its original position. (Agreement must be made between playing partners).
Ball Strikes a Moving Robot Mower
Rule Applied: Ball in Motion Hits Outside Influence (Rule 11.1)
If a shot hits a moving robot mower, the ball must be played as it lies.
If the ball is deflected out of bounds or into an unplayable area, the player must take relief under the normal Out of Bounds or unplayable ball rules (penalty applies).
If the mower carries the ball away, Rule 11.1b applies: the player must drop a ball at the estimated spot where it was picked up, without penalty. (Agreement must be made between playing partners).
Ball Is Damaged by a Robot Mower
Rule Applied: Cut or Cracked Ball (Rule 4.2c)
If a ball is cut, cracked, or significantly damaged by a robot mower, the player may replace it without penalty.
However, the player must not swap the ball unless it is actually damaged—normal scuffs or dirt do not qualify for a free replacement. (Agreement must be made between playing partners).
Ball Lodges Inside a Robot Mower (e.g., in a Blade Housing or Collection Compartment)
Rule Applied: Ball Moved by Outside Influence (Rule 9.6)
If a ball ends up inside a robot mower (e.g., sucked into a collection compartment or lodged in the blades), the mower is treated as a moving outside influence.
The player must replace the ball at the estimated spot where it was taken, without penalty.
If the spot is unknown, it should be estimated, and the ball must be dropped (or placed if on the green). (Agreement must be made between playing partners).
Robot Mower Blocks a Direct Line to the Hole but Is Not in the Player’s Stance or Swing Path
Line-of-Sight Relief NOT Allowed (Rule 16.1)
Unlike temporary immovable obstructions (like TV towers), a robot mower does not qualify for line-of-sight relief.
If the mower is stationary and blocking the hole, the player must play around it.
