To provide a guidance for the membership in the way in which the Head Greenkeeper, his team and the Greens Committee propose to both ‘gradually introduce and steadily remove’ the use of model local rules E-2 / E-3 and E-12 which govern “Winter Golf”.
We want to make the transition as smooth as possible to ensure all golfers understand the rules applied in Winter Golf, and, apply a gradual application of those rules so as to protect the golf course and ensure golf is enjoyable throughout the winter months.
These rules will be compulsory, all Men / Ladies / Seniors / Juniors and visitors MUST abide by them.
Our commitment to the membership is that this gradual approach is entirely weather dependant, and we will be dictated by the Head Greenkeeper and his team on a day to day basis, depending on the weather, and resulting ground conditions. The weather and therefore the dates set out below are NOT exact and should we have a great Autumn weather wise or, a terrible one, the ‘ideal’ dates could move in either direction!
This document has been prepared to provide the membership with a framework so they can understand, ahead of time, the rules that will be introduced, when and why.
It should also confirm when specific rules are introduced, whether scores will be acceptable for WHS purposes for both competition and general play.
Greens & Competition Committees
October 2026.
The exact timings will be determined by weather conditions and be set by the Head Greenkeeper, and the Greens Committee in conjunction with both men’s and ladies’ Competitions Committees
| Timing | Summary |
|---|---|
| Up to 1st October | Lift, Clean and REPLACE on the closely mown area when necessary |
| 1st October – 1st November | Preferred Lies on the closely mown area |
| 1st November – 1st March | Introduction of Fairway Mats and, at some point, lift, clean and PLACE within 6” in the rough * |
| 1st March – 1st April | Return to Preferred Lies on the closely mown area Remove lift, clean and PLACE lift, clean and PLACE when conditions allow * |
| 1st April onwards | End of Winter Rules Lift, Clean and REPLACE on the closely mown area when necessary |
* The introduction and removal of lift, clean and place in the rough will determine whether scores are non-acceptable or acceptable for WHS purposes
It is hoped that the weather is kind to us throughout the year, but in the event of heavy downpours and the likelihood of “mud-balls” becoming frequent the introduction of Model rule E-2 will be introduced to allow “Lift, Clean and Replace” – ON THE FAIRWAYS ONLY. As this is likely to be brought in, and removed, on specific bad days, and then return to “play as it lies” as and when, conditions improve.
When a player's ball lies in the fairway, or closely mown areas around the greens, the ball may be lifted, cleaned and replaced without penalty. The player must mark the spot of the ball before lifting it (see Rule 14.1) and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (see Rule 14.2).
PENALTY for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.
This rule will maybe used throughout the summer months prior to October when deemed by the Head Greenkeeper and his team that we should move to Model local rule E-3 ‘Preferred Lies”
When conditions are beginning to worsen, the conditions may dictate that we move to phase 2 of our Winter Rules, “Preferred Lies”
Purpose: This Local Rule allows a player to improve the lie of their ball when adverse conditions, such as heavy rain, spring thaws, or course damage, make fair play difficult. It is commonly known as "preferred lies" or "winter rules."
Preferred Lies When any part of a player's ball touches a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball, or another ball, within 6 inches (15 cm) of the original spot, no nearer the hole, and within the general area.
PENALTY for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.
In November (and hopefully not before, but again ground conditions will dictate) we will start to protect the course from the wet conditions and introduce the compulsory use of a ‘winter mat’ on the fairways.
This use of a mat on all areas cut to ‘fairway height or less’ will take the place of the preferred lies (E-3) element, however it does follow the same guidelines, and Model local Rule E-12 will be introduced:
Purpose: The rule allows a committee to require players to use mats on fairways (or other specified closely mown areas) to protect the course during periods when grass growth is limited or turf is vulnerable to damage.
"When a player's ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, and a putter is not being used for the stroke, the player must take free relief by lifting the original ball and placing the original ball or another ball on an artificial mat and play it from there.
• The mat must be placed on top of the spot where the ball came to rest.
• If the ball, when placed, rolls off the mat, the player must try to place it a second time.
• If the ball again does not stay on the mat, the mat must be moved to the nearest spot, not nearer the hole, where the ball will come to rest on the mat when placed.
• If the ball on the mat is accidentally moved before a stroke is made, there is no penalty, and the ball must be placed again on the mat.
• If a tee is used to secure the mat into the ground, the ball must not be placed on the tee.
PENALTY for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.
All of the above rules and model rules are applicable for and ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR WHS PURPOSES. Our aim is to play for as long as possible under the above three Model Rule scenarios for as long as the weather, and the course, allows.
This will only be dictated by the Head Greenkeeper and the greens committee and is not subject to change or review by any sub section of the club membership or visitors. Any breach of this will be deemed as a breach of club rules and etiquette.
Once winter really sets in (likely late November) we will then move to our final winter golf position and introduce Temporary Local Rule: Preferred Lies Throughout the General Area. Model rule E-12 will stay in place on the fairways.
• This is our “full” winter provision and when implemented all golf will become NOT ACCEPTABLE for WHS purposes.
• Again, this position is set by the Head Greenkeeper and the Greens Committee alongside the Competitions Committee and must be followed by all golfers.
• Purpose: To maximize player enjoyment and keep the game moving during current adverse course conditions. It is a temporary measure and will be withdrawn when conditions improve.
• The change allows you to “Lift, Clean & Place” across the whole “general area” of the golf course. i.e. in the rough and other areas of the course. It does NOT include penalty areas, bunkers, and greens.
• Model Rule E-12 for the use of Mats on fairways will still be compulsory on all closely mown areas around the greens and the fairways, and must be strictly adhered to.
Rule:
When a ball lies in the general area (fairways and rough, excluding penalty areas, bunkers, and greens), free relief may be taken once by placing the ball in a relief area:
• Reference Point: The original spot.
• Relief Area Size: 6 inches (or one scorecard length) from the reference point.
• Limits: Must not be nearer the hole and must stay within the general area.
Procedure: The player must mark the spot before lifting, and the ball may be cleaned. Once placed with intent to be in play, it cannot be replaced.
PENALTY for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty under Rule 14.7a.
It is hoped, (but again weather dependant), that when we come to March we will lose Temporary Local Rule: Preferred Lies Throughout the General Area. Therefore you must play the ball “as it lies” in the rough and general areas of the course.
Step 1
Depending on conditions we will likely still, to be following Local Model rule E-12, for the use of Mats on the fairways and closely mown areas and play it as it lies in all other areas.
Step 2
If conditions dictate we ‘hope’ to return to Local Model rule E-3 by mid to end March so that the potential of the Bogey Final could be played under ‘preferred lies’, however if we have a wet February & March that may not be possible.
Once the Temporary Local Rule: ‘Preferred Lies Throughout the General Area’ is removed, we will return to Rule E-12 / E-3 allowing for the re-introduction of scores being ACCEPTABLE for WHS purposes.
We intend to remove model rule E-12 over the compulsory use of Mats and introduce model rule E-3 for ‘preferred lies’. Then move to the complete removal of all Model local rules and back to, ‘play as it lies’!