Local rules for winter golf – everything you need to know

The new World Handicap System came into effect on 2 November and another new set of rules are being enforced on courses across the country. As the year draws to a close, we take a look at some of the most common winter rules highlighted by the R&A.

Embedded ball through the green
During the winter months courses can become softer than usual. Thankfully, if part of your ball ends up embedded below ground level, the R&A suggests allowing players to lift it, clean it and replace it without a penalty. The extra leeway applies both on the rough and on any closely mown area. Look out for rule 25-2 for more details.

Preferred lies
If the Committee, or course management, introduce a local rule for preferred lies they often use the R&A’s recommendation. Golf’s governing body suggests that players can lift a ball, clean it and replace it without a penalty if it’s returned within a specific distance but no closer to the hole. The rule applies on closely mown areas cut at the same height as the fairway. The position of the ball must be marked before it’s lifted.

Aeration holes
Maintaining a course can become a tricky task for groundskeepers during the colder months and you may find some greens and fairways are filled with aeration holes. The openings in soil allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots, which in turn, leads to a healthier lawn. If a course applies the local rule and your ball rests in or on an aeration hole, it can be lifted and dropped as near as possible to the spot but no closer to the hole. You can even move your ball before putting it on the green if aeration holes interfere with your shot.
  


  
Dealing with the elements

The R&A rules make a clear distinction between natural snow and manufactured ice. While the man-made variety is considered a movable obstruction, frost, much like dew, isn’t considered a ‘loose impediment’. This means it can’t be brushed from your line of putt or in the area immediately surrounding your ball. The rule doesn’t apply on the teeing ground, where dew, frost and snow may be removed. Snow, however, can be treated as casual water or a loose impediment and can be removed if it interferes with your stroke.