SECTION 16 — INTERPRETATIONS This section includes Interpretations for greater explanation or guidance in the rating procedure. They are listed by the section of the Manual where the Interpretation is designed to address.
SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS 3/1 Significant Definition Q. What is meant by the definition of Significant and how it is applied when referenced? A. As described in the definition, it is something that is “worthy of attention and impacts the difficulty in playing the hole.” Significant is used a number of times throughout the Guide and Manual, mainly within the adjustments as to whether they should be applied. In some cases, it is used to replace a specific qualifier such as 50% of the green, but it is also used in determining whether to apply a lay-up or the degree of difficulty or impact on play (e.g. a significant loss of distance). Following are explanations of how “significant” would apply in different situations: •
The qualification required for a Carry (C)* adjustment to be applied to a fairway bunker or a greenside bunker now includes the word “significant”. For the fairway bunker, it must be a significant bunker, as judged by its difficulty factors (size, depth placement, length of carry required, etc.), in order for the Carry (C)* adjustment to apply. Greenside bunkers must protect a significant portion of the green. This means that a bunker that is in the front middle of the green but protects less than 50% of the green may qualify for the Carry (C)* adjustment. The rating team should consider evidence of hole locations in determining if the bunker protects a significant portion of the green. If there are several instances where it is not obvious that a Carry (C)* adjustment should be applied, it is recommended that the “toggle” concept be used.
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The qualification for applying a Lay-Up by Choice requires that a “significant” obstacle or combination of obstacles near the player’s normal landing zone exists. If the fairway width is 18 yards and there is benign rough on both sides of the fairway, no Lay-Up by Choice should be applied. If the 18-yard wide fairway is closely bordered by deep bunkers and/or lateral obstacles, it would be appropriate for the rating team to apply the Lay-Up by Choice process.
• Other obstacles, including Topography and Trees, use “Significant” in the rating tables in determining difficulty values. The progression of difficulty factors is minor, moderate, significant and extreme. It may be helpful keep in mind that, throughout the course rating system, “significant” refers to obstacle difficulty that falls between moderate and extreme.
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