Les Mielles took on Wheatlands at Les Mielles for the second year running in the 7s team matchplay first round.

D.Brannan (13) VS A.Richardson (10)
First match out was a tight affair for most of the game with both players winning holes through the front 9 and crossed halfway A/S.  It stayed close but Andy managed to creep ahead and managed to finish strong to win a point for Wheatlands with a 3&1 win.

C.Wood (8) VS P.Robinson (12)
Colin was making his 7s debut but it didnt show as he stormed into a 4 shot lead and increased this to 5up on the 6th hole. Colin kept the hammer down to go dormie 8 and wrapped it up on the next hole to win the match 9&7.

D.Clark ( 14) VS S.Marsh (11)
Another close match saw Dale go ahead on the 5th, and extended this to 2up at the turn. The back nine was nip and tuck but Dale kept his buffer to head to the 17th dormie 2. Simon won the 17th to take it to the last hole but a par for from Dale was enough to grab another point for Les Mielles, winning the match 2up.

G.Shergold (14) VS A.Smith (10)
Gareth was always in charge of this match going 3 up early on and crossing the car park 6up. Gareth kept going on the back 9 and won his match 8&6, a strong showing by Gareth.

S.Bell (14) VS J.Bree (12)
Simon was another player making his debut and like Colin, he didnt disappoint. Simon was 2 up after 5 holes and won the next 4 holes to reach the 10th 6up. Simon continued his good golf to win the match 7&5 and secure another point for Les Mielles.

D.Cavey (8) VS S.De La Cour (14)
Dan got his nose ahead early and never looked like giving it up. He crossed the car park 3up and didnt let Steve back in the game to win the match 5&4

M.Cooper (5) VS T.Allen (9)
A tight match on the front 9 between the lowest handicaps of each team, provided a high caliber game, with Matt just edging ahead on the 9th to lead 1up. Matt kept the momentum going on the back 9 to forge ahead and win the match 5&4.

A strong performance by Les Mielles at home, winning the game 6-1.

Thanks to Wheatlands for playing the game in the right way, always a pleasure playing against them.

Next up is Les Ormes.

England Golf issued new guidance on the application of Local Rules for 'Unfair Playing Conditions'.

The Club Committee will review this guidance and decide on its application and communication ASAP.

What has changed within the Adverse/Extreme Weather Reference Guide?

The content, supporting rules and guidance remain the same. The only change is when clubs can apply the Model Local Rules – previously, ‘winter rules’ were applicable between 1st October and 30th April. Within WHS™, there is no reference to specific use of ‘winter rules’, only that there is an active or inactive season. In England, WHS™ remains active all year round, therefore the term ‘winter rules’ does not exist and the limitation on when Model Local Rules can be applied has been removed.

When can Model Local Rules be applied?

Golf clubs can utilise Model Local Rules throughout the year, but ONLY when it is necessary to do so, on specified areas of the course and when the conditions would mean that acceptable scoring would not be possible without them being in place. Furthermore, the Model Local Rules MUST be removed as soon as practicably possible. When implementing any of the Model Local Rules for your golfers, it must be clearly communicated and signposted which Model Local Rules are in place and the areas in which they are to be used. It is very important to remember that Model Local Rules should only be used when necessary, to ensure equity within the World Handicap System™.

Before applying Model Local Rule E3 – Preferred Lies, what other rules should be considered first?

Model Local Rule E2 – Cleaning the Ball, should be first considered, as this may be considered on parts of the general area where conditions result in an unfair playing condition. The areas in which this rule is used should be explicit and communicated to golfers. Once ground conditions improve to a point that it is no longer an unfair playing condition, the rule must be removed.

When can Model Local Rule E3-Preferred Lies be applied? And when should it be taken off?

Model Local Rule E3 – Preferred Lies can be applied throughout the year, only when ground conditions are such that it results in an unfair playing condition and only within closely-mown areas (grass cut to fairway height or less). This local rule must be explicit to areas of the course where it is required and must be removed as soon as ground conditions improve to a point where it no longer results in unfair playing conditions.

Who can support the club on the application of the guidance document and Model Local Rules?

Your county will be your first point of call regarding any advice around when to implement rules. You do not need their permission to apply them but they can offer support and details if you are unsure. Each county has a Handicap Advisor and Rules Official who can support your club.

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