“Winter Rules” are included in Model Local Rules E-3.
Getty Images
This content was first published on golf magazinea quarterly print publication exclusively for USGA members. Be one of the first to receive it golf magazine and learn how to secure gaming’s bright future, Become a USGA member now.
***
Winter is just around the corner, which means many courses across the country will have to deal with the challenging conditions that come with cold weather. Golfers are a passionate bunch, but your local courses may not be in mid-season shape. When these conditions may interfere with fair lies, many facilities will follow what are commonly known as “winter rules,” which are known in the Rules of Golf as preferred lies. Model Local Rule E-3 covers this.
So, how does it work?
Winter rules allow players to lift the ball and place it in different locations on the fairway. The governing board or golf course should set the size of the relief area where the ball must be placed (e.g. 6 inches, scorecard length or even club length). This distance is based on the original position of the ball as a reference point and the ball cannot be placed closer to the hole than this point. Once lifted, the ball can be cleaned or even replaced with a different ball. If the process allows players to go from fairway to edge, or even fairway to rough, that’s OK too.
Winter rules generally only apply on the fairway of the hole being played. If they extend into areas beyond the fairway, they may result in players unfairly receiving free relief from areas where they would not otherwise be able to play, such as bushes or woods.
Once a player has placed the ball according to the above procedure, the ball cannot be lifted again and must be played as is.
As long as the weather permits, taking advantage of winter rules is a great way to extend your season and enjoy the benefits of golf.
Todd Stice is the USGA Rules Technical and Education Manager.
