The “Winter Rules” are covered by Model Local Rule E-3.
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Winter is coming, which means there are many courses running across the country difficult conditions created by colder weather. Golfers are a large group, but your local course probably won’t be in good condition in the middle of the season. When these conditions may conflict with fair lies, many facilities will apply so-called “winter rules”, which are known in the “Rules of Golf” as Lies preferred. This is covered by Model Local Rule E-3.
How does it work?
Winter rules allow a player to pick up the ball in the fairway and place it elsewhere. The golf course committee should determine the size of the relief area in which the ball should be placed (e.g., 6 inches, the length of the scorecard, or even the length of the club). This distance uses the ball’s original position as a reference point, and the ball cannot be placed closer to the hole than this point. Once picked up, the ball can be cleaned or even replaced with another one. If this process would allow a player to move from the fairway to the side, or even from the fairway to the rough, that’s fine too.
Winter rules should generally apply only to the fairway of the hole being played. If these are extended to areas outside the fairway, it may result in a player unfairly receiving free relief from a location where the ball would otherwise not be playable, such as in a bush or group of trees.
Once a player has placed the ball according to the above procedure, it cannot be picked up again and must be played as it lies.
Taking advantage of winter rules is a great way to extend your season and enjoy the benefits of golf for as long as the weather allows.
Todd Stice is the USGA’s technology and education manager.
