Although Myrtle Beach`s mild climate avoids some of these problems, the rule of favorite lies is often explained by golfers who want to improve their lie. For many recreational golfers, winter rules are invoked at their discretion, ignoring the fact that only the club`s rules committee can make them. They are usually displayed in the clubhouse or transmitted to players in the holder`s hut. Unless the club expressly declares the winter rules valid, no compensation should be awarded. In places where winter conditions can be harsh, with negative effects on golf courses, some courses will put up a sign that says «Winter rules apply today» or «Favorite lies». This means, in the simplest explanation, that golfers can improve their lies by moving their golf balls into certain difficult areas of the course, and these areas are usually limited to the fairway. That kind of freedom, in my opinion, is what makes winter rules great. It`s entirely up to you how you want to provide relief during your round. But let`s face it, if that`s me we`re talking about (and I know some of you are in the same boat), we`ll all get extra help that we can get during these first few rounds. Again, if you land on well-mowed grass but find yourself in casual water, the rules are simple. Find the nearest landform point that is not closer to the hole and fall into the length of a club. However, with the updated rules, courts could also clearly define when and what conditions apply to comply with local rules for winter rules. However, only a course, club or committee responsible for competitions is entitled to validate these rules, and if one of these bodies has not issued winter rules or decides on preferred lies, players are not allowed to apply winter rules, regardless of the bad conditions.
Prior to 2004, the appendix contained a strong warning that the USGA and R&A did not support «favored lies» and «winter rules»; whereas such rules violate the fundamental principle of playing the ball as it is; and that governing bodies would ignore all requests for decision-making assistance when it came to «preferential lies» and «winter rules». These statements have been removed from the 2015 edition and more clearly defined. For example, if a golfer`s drive is in the fairway, but the ball comes to rest on a piece of bare earth where the grass has died, winter rules may allow the golfer to move the ball over a piece of live grass. Luckily for us, however, there are a few general rules of courtesy we can put in place to make sure those early spring rounds go a little easier for all of us, called winter rules. Most people who read my articles are probably serious golfers who understand that the game is governed by 34 rules. These same people are likely to play tournament golf, where rules officials are present to help players follow the rules and interpret rule situations. Not all players in the game are serious golfers who play by the rules. Many are «recreational players» who tend to play by «winter rules» or «favorite lies» throughout the year. The term «favorite lies» is one of golf`s most misunderstood concepts. Knowing the built-in ball rule and knowing how to prefer your lie when allowed is likely to be very helpful when playing winter golf. The name «winter rules» is actually a bit misleading, as it is usually only confused with the rule of favorite lies; Something that relieves you when your ball is bothered by something that shouldn`t be there.
Things like standing water in the fairway, snow and other similar things give the player the ability to move his ball, provided his drop is: If you play by winter rules, is it allowed to put your ball on a worm throw to lift your ball before your shot? —Mike Dearden, via email «If the player doesn`t mark the position of the ball before lifting it, or moves the ball in another way, such as rolling with a bat, he gets a one-shot penalty.» The schedule prescribes the penalty for violation of the rule — a penalty of two moves in the game of shots and the loss of the hole in the game of match. This may seem serious, especially for casual golfers who see no harm in improving their lie. But for serious golfers who never know how to supervise the practice, local rules are the letter of the law. If you`re playing winter rules and your ball is on the edge of the putting surface, can you set up your putt without penalty from the fringe? Winter rules have a practical drawback. Section 7 of the USGA Handicap System Manual deals with winter rules and states that rounds played under winter rules are published for handicap purposes. If you maintain a handicap and play with the winter rules, you will need to display this score – which will likely be lower than the score you would have achieved without the winter rules. You therefore artificially lower your handicap by applying the winter rules. Nevertheless, winter rules are simply treated like any other local rule, without having a status of their own, except for other local rules that govern tournament play. While this detail may seem like a very small side note, it reflects a significant change in attitude towards a practice that has already made golf`s governing bodies known. Here we will try to clarify some of the confusions and misconceptions about winter rules. But first, let`s explain what most golfers mean when they use the terms «winter rules» or «favorite lies.» Sometimes golfers interpret «winter rules» or «favorite lies» as a number of things, mainly because the golf course doesn`t explain what the term means.
Without explanation, we will see golfers improve locations in sand bunkers, water hazards and generally in all areas of the golf course. There is no rule covering «winter rules» or «favorite lies» in the Gulf Rules, but there is an explanation in Annex I, Part A, Local Rules, which states: «Adverse conditions, including poor condition of the course or the presence of mud, are sometimes so general, especially during the winter months, that the committee may decide to impose a It is also important to ensure that the Court of First Instance plays. The local rule should be withdrawn as soon as circumstances warrant. » Are you eligible to move and improve in an area of Harzard if you play in winter or prefer to lie down? Unfortunately, golfers interpret «winter rules» or «favorite lies» as many different things, mainly because many golf courses and clubs don`t explain exactly what the terms mean. Too often, the only indication that the local rule is in effect is a sign that says «Winter Rules in effect today» attached to the cabin or choke pavilion. It`s that time of year when one of the book`s most confusing rules comes into play. Winter rules, also known as «favorite lies,» may be so confusing because, technically, they are not a rule at all, but are often treated as an unwritten rule that is often abused. Hi Mike, thanks for your golf tip, we play winter rule and prefer lies. If a ball comes into danger, is the player allowed to touch the ball and improve lying in danger? My question is: if the ball has gone just a little over the red post, can he get it out without penalty? Enjoy your expert advice. After reading your article, it`s safe to say that the PGA has no winter rule or favorite lie, just a local court rule or an agreed-upon decision of the players. Where winter rules are in force, this communication should be specific. A simple and effective way to publish such a notice is to make an oral or written statement: «The winter rules apply today in accordance with Annex I, ROG: Fairway only, one time — lift, clean and place within six inches.» Originally, the 2004 Rules of Golf, Appendix I, Part B, Section 3b were the only rule to define winter effects: Normally, winter rules would allow you to lift, clean and place your ball within six inches of stopping, although this distance is not mandatory and may vary (for example, a club length on some courses), but only in «narrowly mowed areas».
