The CBLNHGA follows USGA rules, except where modified by the following local rules established by the CBCC Golf Course and CBLNHG Association.  Local rules follow:

1. We play ready golf and winter rules.  In the fairway, the ball may be lifted, moved 6 inches and cleaned when it is lifted.
2. Two and one half hours is ample for a round.  If the hole ahead is open and the group behind is closing in, let the next group through.
3. As a general rule, if a penalty is incurred, relief of two club lengths may be taken.  For a free drop, relief is one club length.
4. The usual penalty for breaking a rule is two strokes, except that the penalty for moving the ball is one stroke.  The error must always be corrected.
5. If a golfer is in doubt of which of two ways she may play a ball, or if a dispute arises, she may play two balls, one by each procedure to hole out.  She must declare which ball she prefers to score with.  The Rules Chairs will determine which ball counts.
6. If a ball must be taken back to the place from which it was previously hit following a rule, a one stroke penalty may be substituted and the ball placed in a lie that is fair.
7. When a player is having a terrible hole, she may discontinue play and take her Maximum Score.  The score should be marked with an X, and no prizes will be given for the round.

Obstructions

1. (rule 8) The concrete ditch along Lakes 2 is an Immovable Obstruction (IO).  Take a free drop.
2. (rule 9) The sea wall on Dolphin 6 is an IO.  If it interferes with the swing, take the closest relief.  If the ball is in the bunker, drop in the bunker.
3. (rule 10) Cart paths are also IOs.  Take a free drop on the side that moves the ball the least.

Water Hazards

1. (rule 11) If a hazard line is not marked, assume the line is three club lengths from the water’s edge.  The line for the river is one club length from the tall grass.
2. (rule 12) All lakes are considered to be lateral water hazards. Relief must always be taken from where the ball crossed the hazard line.  The ball is never taken in front of the hazard.
3. (rule 13) For some holes, there are Drop Zones.  They are to be used only for the water that crosses the fairway.
   • Lakes Course: No drop zones
   • River Course, Hole 1 If the tees are on the west side of the pond, the drop zone is the mound on the other side of the water.  Hole 8: The drop zone is on a line drawn from the clump of ornamental grassses on the right to the cart path mark is a green block just over the crossover, on the right of the path.
   • Dolphin Course: Holes 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9
     • Hole 3: Anywhere on the mound across the water.  Do not use it for the water on the left, even if the ball goes into it from the tee.
     • Hole 5, 8 and 9: The marks are painted lines on the cart paths.  For Hole 9, there is no drop area for the water hazard directly in front of the tee.
     • Hole 6: The mark is Sprinkler Head #79, across the crossover, near the cart path.
     • In all cases, drop within 3 club lengths of the mark, on the same side of the cart path.