Exposed Root Rule

The CTGA Exposed Root Rule was approved by member vote to prevent personal injury and/or golf club damage from roots that are exposed away from the tree.

Exposed Roots by CTGA definition applies only to roots that have surfaced away from the normal trunk of the tree.

In the spirit of this CTGA specific rule and in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, if it is determined that your ball has come to rest on or within striking distance of an Exposed Root and you request relief, the following steps must be applied:

  1. You must get concurrence from at least two (2) players in your 4-some before taking relief;
  2. The allowable relief distance must be no greater than the distance required to ensure complete relief from the Exposed Root.
    1. Place a tee at the spot where your original ball lies;
    2. Take relief by placing the ball in a spot that ensures relief from the Exposed Root only, which in most cases should be within 3-5 inches away from the Exposed Root.
    3. The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.
  3. Exception to Rule:  Interference by an Exposed Root with the player's Stance is deemed not to be, of itself, interference under this Rule.
  4. Again, in the spirit of fair play, you may not take additional relief that could improve your stance or swing away from trees, bushes, etc.

Exposed Root relief does not apply within a marked hazard.  If you elect to take relief from roots within a marked hazard area, you must declare the ball unplayable and take relief as specified by Rule 28.  Ball Unplayable.