Gallery Rule

Gallery Rule:

Gallery Rule is a casual and unofficial “local rule” used to maintain pace of play. If a ball cannot be found in light rough, leaves, or similar areas within the course boundaries, this rule allows the player to drop a ball near where it is believed to have come to rest. It does not apply to balls that have landed in a penalty area, out of bounds (OB), in bushes, or in extreme rough.

This principle is based on the assumption that, during a professional tournament, spectators (“the gallery”) would have easily spotted the ball. It may only be applied when the golfer and their playing partners unanimously agree that the ball appeared to be in play after coming to rest, but the player is unable to find it.

The Gallery Rule does not comply with the Rules of Golf and is is not permitted in rounds used for handicap purposes.