The Rules of GolfCross
All the rules of golf apply in golfcross, with the following additions and exceptions.
1. Teeing
Unless local rules permit, tee cups may only be used on the teeing ground.
2. Placing
On all fairways a player may pick up and position the ball within one foot (305mm) from where it lies and not nearer the goal or into the yard.
2a. In the yard the ball may be positioned but only where it lies.
2b. A player may build a tee on the fairway and in the yard.
2c. A ball may not be positioned in a hazard.
3. Hitting a Moving Ball
If a ball in play moves after it is addressed, no penalty is incurred.
4. Immovable obstructions
A free drop of two club lengths not nearer the goal is permitted when the ball comes to rest in such a way as to impede the stance or swing of a normal shot because of an immovable obstruction. These obstructions include fences, gates, operative farm implements, water troughs and salt blocks.
5. Farmers leavings
Farmers leavings are defined as any equipment or other immovable objects which are in a temporary position and obstructing a players swing or stance. A free drop of two club lengths not nearer the goal is permitted to gain relief from fencing equipment, hay bales, cut firewood, storm damage, tractors, ploughs etc.
6.The Yard
The yard is defined by yard markers which encircle the perimeter of the goal at regular intervals.
6a. A ball is considered to be in the yard if any part of it lies over a string line stretched between the outside edges of two adjacent yard markers.
7. Turning Rights
When a players ball lies within the confines of the yard, that player has the right to turn the goal to one of three locked positions before taking a shot at goal.
7a. The player whose ball lies farthest from the goal has first shot at goal regardless of whether his ball is in the yard or not.
7b. In stroke play, whenever a players ball is outside the yard, he or she must play to the goal set in the facing position. This rule applies even where the goal has already been turned to accommodate a player whose ball lies within the yard and has played first because they were further away from the goal.
7c. In match play, once the goal has been turned, a player outside the yard must play to whatever position the goal is in, regardless of whether it is in the facing position or not.
7d. When playing to a goal that has not been returned to the facing position (not chained up) by previous players, players must return it to the facing position before attempting to shoot for goal. This, however, may be subject to a local rule. See also rule 9.
8. Playing Out Of Turn
If a player plays out of turn, they may be asked by another player to replay their shot without incuring a penalty. The player must be asked to replay the shot before another player has played.
9. Foul Shot
In stroke play if a player plays to the incorrect facing position from outside the yard, he or she must replay the shot without penalty. However, if this illegal shot is not discovered until the goal has been completed, a two shot penalty is incurred.
10. The Goal
Will have two uprights supporting a net no more than 2.4m tall rising from a crossbar no less than 1.1m from the ground. The uprights will be no more than 1.8m apart and topped with clearly visible flags. The goal will be held by a center pole fitted with a position locating device which allows the goal to be turned to one of three equidistant positions.
11. Scoring
A goal is scored when the ball is struck by a player and comes to rest within the confines of the goal, (unless there is an appeal, see rule 8: playing out of turn).
11a. If a ball enters the goal and comes out again, it is still in play.
12. Free Drops
When a ball lies within two club lengths of the center pole of the goal, relief may be taken by a free drop two club lengths in any direction from the center pole.
12a. If a ball becomes lodged on the outside of the goal, between a stay and the netting, (a clingon), a player must remove the ball and make a drop two club lengths in any direction from the center pole with no penalty.