Q. Within our course there is a practice ground, sometimes during a round, as a result of a wayward stroke, a player may find themselves within this area. If the player has practiced there before a competition, are they allowed to play from there? (It is not out of bounds)
A, If the practice area is not “out of bounds” then by definition it is part of the course (see def of “Course” in the rule book) and the ball may be played from there. However as the area is part of the course, before a stroke play competition a player may not practice on such an area, as this would be a breach of Rule 7-1; (practice on the course before a competition) the penalty for which is disqualification. Whether or not the player strays into the area during their round is of no consequence, as they will have been disqualified before even starting the round..
If the committee wish to allow practice there before a stroke play competition they should either make the area “out of bounds”, or, if they want to keep it as part of the course, they should, as a condition of competition, bring into operation rule 33-2c (Laying down an area within the course where players may practice before a competition). This would mean clearly defining the area where practice is permitted, preferably by putting down lines or stakes. It would then be the responsibility of the player to confine any practice to within the area laid down.
I come across many courses where, over the years, practice grounds seem to become established within the course, or attached to it. This can sometimes mislead a player into believing that rule7-1 is not applicable to this area. The fault is really down to the committee for not carrying out their duties under rule 33-2.
So if the practice ground is not “out of bounds”, it is part of the course. Rule 7-1 applies.