Local Rules
Special green-area relief
For member play, sprinkler heads within two club lengths of the green cut to fairway height provide relief when the ball is within two club lengths; the club also publishes special free relief in the drop area behind the 18th green.
Water and lateral hazards
Stakes identify the type of water hazard; painted lines define the margin. If no painted line exists, the imaginary line between adjacent stakes defines the margin.
Out of bounds definition
Out of bounds is defined by the inside edge at ground level of white stakes, white lines and/or perimeter fence posts on holes 1, 2, 3 and 13, and by the paved road on hole 1.
Embedded ball
USGA Rule 25-2 is in effect through the green, meaning everywhere except hazards, the putting green and the teeing ground of the hole being played; the ball may be lifted, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to its original spot, not nearer the hole.
E-5 alternative for out of bounds
For member/competition play, Winnetka adopts Local Rule E-5 for out of bounds: take the ball to the fairway where it crossed the out-of-bounds boundary and add two penalty strokes. Check the event conditions before using it.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
The course experience depends on the round format: casual play and member competitions may use different boundary, relief and scoring procedures, so identify the applicable conditions before teeing off. Winnetka Golf Club is a park-district course in Winnetka, Illinois, supported by a Men’s Club with detailed member and competition Local Rules. Historic Illinois park-district golf with competition-specific rules
Major Risks
Competition-specific OB Member competitions may use E-5 as an alternative to stroke and distance, while event conditions must be checked. Hole-specific boundaries Published rules define OB by white stakes/lines/fence posts on holes 1, 2, 3 and 13 and by a paved road on hole 1. Special relief provisions Embedded-ball, sprinkler-head and behind-18th-green relief provisions may apply within the stated competition scope.
Blue Tee Strategy
Confirm the tee setup and round conditions before play. Check whether E-5 is in effect for the event. Review OB on holes 1, 2, 3 and 13 and the road on 1. Use embedded-ball and sprinkler relief only when the applicable rule permits it. Plan around the applicable rules and defined boundaries
Golfer Reviews / Consensus
Rule scope differs between ordinary play and Men’s Club competitions. A well-defined Illinois course where knowing the round’s rule set is as important as selecting targets. HIGH Park-district course setting Member competition culture Detailed local rules
Course Conditions
PARTIALLY_VERIFIED Course identity and competition rules verified Check current markings. Confirm event conditions. Carry the current Local Rules for competition rounds. 2026-08-30 Identify the round format and review the corresponding rules before playing. The Park District confirms the course, while Winnetka Men’s Club publishes detailed Local Rules for member and competition play; current maintenance was not separately verified.
30-second Pre-round Brief
Winnetka Golf Club pre-round brief Member competitions and casual play may have different rule conditions. Identify the round Holes 1, 2, 3 and 13 have defined white-stake/line/fence boundaries; the road on 1 is OB. Know the OB Review E-5, embedded-ball, sprinkler-head and 18th-green provisions before play. Check relief Confirm the round format, study the defined boundaries and apply only the relief rules that govern your play.
Regulations
Scorecard and handicap
Competition players must use the correct course handicap for the tees being played and submit a complete, attested and signed scorecard according to the club’s competition procedures.
No informal concessions in events
In Men’s Club events, players should not use mulligans or gimmies unless permitted by the applicable USGA or event rule.
Competition rules scope
The Winnetka Men’s Club Local Rules govern its member competitions and match play together with the USGA Rules of Golf; players should check event-specific conditions.
Course stewardship
Players are expected to protect the field and act as stewards of the Winnetka golf course.