You are deemed to be in the GUR if either your ball or stance ( not necessarily both) are touching
or inside the line. (Compare this to penalty areas, where only the position of the ball is relevant.
• The reference point for establishing the relief area, is the nearest point of complete relief ( i.e. both
stance and ball) no nearer the hole . This might not be the ‘nicest’ place and when taking relief you
may drop another ball.
• If it is certain or virtually certain ( i.e. at least 95% sure) that your ball has gone into the GUR and
cannot be found, the ‘lost ball’ rules do not apply. The reference point for the relief area is taken at
the point of entry to the GUR.
• Unless there is a local rule to the contrary, you always have the option to play from GUR.
• GUR may not actually be marked e.g. any hole made by greens staff in setting up or maintaining
the course, ( other than aeration holes unless Committee decide to give relief for this situation) any
material piled for removal, or any animal habitat such as a birds nest but excludes the habitats
made by animals that are defined as loose impediments, such as worms or insects. Interestingly
enough NZ is one of the few countries in the world to use alternate holes on the greens!
• If the GUR is in an area in which you are permitted to place, you can take that place in the GUR.
• If the ball is on the putting green, the rules will not only apply to your stance or the ball position,
but also to your line of play. However, your relief area may be off the green. ( Relief is not
permitted for an old hole plug, however it may be repaired.)
• If your ball is off the green there is no relief from any GUR on your line of play, even if that GUR is
on the green
• If the ball is in a bunker, the same rules will apply, except that the relief must be taken in the
bunker ( unless taking the additional option outside the bunker for one penalty stroke). If
complete relief cannot be taken, then the reference point is at the point of maximum relief.
• There is no GUR in a penalty area.
