Are winter rules enforced by the USGA?
However, as it is a local rule not enforced by golf bodies such as the USGA, even though they made winter rules, the ultimate decision of exercising winter rules depends on the individual player. Players can take advantage of preferred lies and the left, clean, and place rule if they believe they are disadvantaged due to current circumstances.
What do “winter rules” or “preferred lies” mean?
Sometimes, golfers interpret “winter rules” or “preferred lies” to mean an assortment of things, mostly because golf course fail to explain what the term means. Without an explanation, we will see golfers improve lies in sand bunkers, water hazards, and in general, in all areas of the golf course.
What does “winter rules” mean in golf?
This could mean that if your drive is in the fairway and it comes to rest on patch of bare ground where the grass has died or is dormant, winter rules allow you to move the ball onto grass. Sometimes, golfers interpret “winter rules” or “preferred lies” to mean an assortment of things, mostly because golf course fail to explain what the term means.
How does winter weather affect golf courses?
In areas of the country where winter weather can be brutal and in turn create negative effects on golf courses, some courses will post signs saying “winter rules” or “preferred lies in effect today”. This means that golfers may improve their lies in certain areas of the course that may been effected by the weather conditions.