It is a basic rule of Golf that if a player believes there is danger from lightning they are permitted to discontinue play (Rule 6-8). As such in order to assist with the smooth running of a competition and in the interest of safety the following Local Rule is effective for all club field competitions.
Local Rule Appendix 1 Part C: Conditions of Competition
5. Suspension of Play Due to a Dangerous Situation.
Should lightning strike the committee request that players leave the course, seek shelter & make otheer groups aware of the situation if safe to do so whwther or not a horn is sounded. Once a horn has been sounded play is suspended & all players must stop play immediately. A player must not resume play until the committee has ordered a resumption of play.
If a player fails to discontinue play immediately following the sounding of a horn, they will be disqualified unless circumstances warrant waiving the penalty as provided in Rule 33-7.
The following signals will be used if safe to do so:
Discontinue Play Immediately: One prolonged note of the horn.
Resume Play: Two short notes of the horn repeated.
KNOCKOUT MATCHES
Please note:
This rule does not apply to Knockout Matches. Rule 6-8 protects a player in surcumstances & it is the individuals choice to discontinue play if there is danger from lightning.
Competition Committee
24th March 2013