Winter Rules on the Golf Course

Winter Rules on the Golf Course is a short golf blog post that looks at the extra rules that apply for the off season. There are still many golfers out there who are unaware of these extra rules in Winter. How many times have you played a round of golf in Winter with mud on your ball. Some of you have also played from horrific lies in the Fairway, as doing your best to play to the rules. You may have even had an embedded ball in the rough and taken a penalty drop before continuing. Or even attempted to play from a puddle on the fairway. STOP RIGHT THERE! Winter Rules on the Golf Course Before I continue, the following rules will be laid out by the local committee. These can change from course to course. Each of these rules are without penalty. Preferred Lies – Local Rule This rule only applies to ‘Closely Mown Areas’ or all areas of grass at Fairway height or less. These areas include Fairways, Fringes, Aprons and Greens. Let me take you through this rule… When you have reached your ball on the Fairway and you see that… a) Your ball is dirty or wet b) Your ball is sitting down or just in a poor lie c) laying on top of leaves etc. You must follow this procedure… a) Mark your ball with a Tee Peg, Coin or a Pitchmark Repairer. b) Pick up your ball and clean it and dry it. c) Clear the area, of loose impediments, in which you intend to place your ball. d) Place your ball within 6 inches of the marker (no nearer to the hole). e) Remove your marker. Please note: It is not allowed… To kick your ball into a better position. To use your club head to roll the ball into a better spot. Embedded Ball or Plugged Lie in the Rough- Local Rule Again, this will only be a local rule set out by the committee of the club you are playing at. If you reach your ball in the rough and find that it is plugged or embedded in its own pitch mark, then you must… a) Mark the position of your ball. b) Pick up your ball and clean it and dry it. c) Clear the area, of loose impediments, in which you intend to drop your ball. d) Drop your ball within 1 club length of your marker. e) Remove your marker. Worm casts and other loose impediments. I have added this, as worm casts are common obstacles at this time of year. Remember that you can always remove ‘loose impediments’ if they interfere with your stance, lie of the ball or area of your intended swing. Just be aware, if your ball is on the green, not to press anything down on your line of putt. Casual Water This is also a great rule to know as it can really help you out. Standing water on the course that is not a part of a penalty area can be deemed as Casual Water. If this is the case, then you are entitled to a free drop. The water only has to visible before or after you take your stance. This means by pressing down the fairway with your shoe and water appears, that is also Casual Water. Therefore,, you must find the nearest spot of total relief where there is no more Casual Water to drop your ball. a) Mark the position of your ball. b) Pick up your ball and clean it and dry it. c) Clear the area, of loose impediments, in which you intend to drop your ball. d) Drop your ball within 1 club length of your marker that marks the nearest point of total relief. e) Remove your marker. All of the above rules can really help you enjoy your Winter Golf if you know them. Isn’t it about time that you read and learn the rules of golf? What are your thoughts on Winter Rules on the Golf Course? Please leave a comment by filling out a Contact Form. To read more of my golf blog posts, click here.