
What should be my winter golf practice routine?
· The Rules of Golf provide the recommended wording for preferred lies. When this Local Rule is in place, the ball may be lifted without penalty and cleaned before placing within a specified distance no closer to the hole. It is worth noting that before you lift the ball you must mark its position. Once having marked its position you must not ...
How to practice your golf swing in the winter?
· there is no rule that covers “winter rules” or “preferred lies” in the rules of golf, but there is an explanation in appendix i, part a, local rules that says: “adverse conditions, including the poor condition of the course or the existence of mud, are sometimes so general, particularly during winter months, that the committee may decide to grant …
What is the preferred Lie rule in golf?
· For instance, if a golfer's shot lands in the fairway but stops in a patch of dead grass caused by frost, snow or ice, winter rules allow the player to move his ball to get relief from the conditions anywhere between six inches or a club …
What are local rules in golf?
At Princes Risborough Golf Club our rules fall in line with the R&A guidelines and are usually in force until the end of March. It will be clearly marked if Winter Rules Apply on the first Tee. Winter rules allow you, in accordance with the Rules of Golf, to lift, clean and place your ball within six inches of where it has come to rest (but only on “closely mown areas”).

What is the winter rule in golf?
Winter rules only apply to “closely mown areas” – those parts of the course cut to fairway height or less, including paths through the rough, and the fringes or aprons around the greens. You MUST mark the position of the ball before lifting, cleaning and placing – failure to do so leads to a one-stroke penalty.
Can golf be played in winter?
Distance will certainly be lost in the winter, but hitting a longer club and avoiding the use of cold golf balls can help improve your chances of success in the winter! The conditions featured on the golf course in the winter are typically much different than the conditions seen in the summer.
Do golf courses close in the winter UK?
However, the UK weather is unpredictable and courses are not always fit for play, even during golf season. For this reason, many UK golfers choose to play golf anytime of the year, whenever weather conditions permit and courses are open.
When can you lift clean and place?
Golfers can lift, clean and place a ball only when it originally lies in a closely mown area. "Closely mown area" means any part of the golf course that is mowed to fairway height. Therefore, it does not include any rough or putting greens, but may include aprons around the greens or paths mowed through rough.
Can you play golf in December?
Little do they know, playing golf in winter can be most enjoyable. The clear winter mornings, quieter courses and fabulous deals can make it feel like you've hit the jackpot. What's more, if you want to improve your game, giving up completely during winter is not the way to go about it.
Can you play golf in November?
The northern part of the United States has a season from April to October, and some rare cases of weather can have them playing in March or November. Golfing season in the Central and Midwest part of the USA have the same seasons, except they have a pretty good chance of getting to play in March and November.
How much harder is winter golf?
In fact, according to research by Trackman, the difference is around one yard of carry for every 10-degree change in temperature. As a result, it's important to bear this in mind when playing golf in the cold and make tweaks to your game to get the most out of each shot.
What temperature is too cold for golf clubs?
There's almost no lower limit. I'd say about 30 degrees. But that's on a mild day. If there's wind or rain that number creeps higher very fast.
Should you play golf in cold weather?
Studies show that golf balls fly several yards shorter in cold weather. You'll also find it hard to make a full backswing wearing multiple layers of clothing. With these limitations, you'll enjoy cold weather golf more if you accept that, given the conditions, you can't play to your regular standards.
Can you wipe your golf ball on the green?
Cleaning golf ball: A player is allowed to mark, lift, clean and replace the ball on the putting green and anywhere else on the course that is within the rules of golf. A player can clean the ball in a manner convenient and appropriate to their own taste.
Can you take relief from a tree?
When a player's ball lies above the ground (such as in a bush or a tree), the player may take lateral relief by using the point on the ground directly below the spot of the ball as his or her reference point: The relief area.
Can you pick up your ball on the fairway to clean it?
A golfer cannot clean their ball in any other situation, including when the ball is in the fairway, when the ball is in the rough, when the ball is in a bunker.
Local Rules and Bad Course Conditions
In locations where winter weather can be harsh, with negative effects on golf courses, some courses will post a sign stating "winter rules in effect today," or "preferred lies today." This means, in the simplest explanation, that golfers may improve their lies by moving their golf balls in certain rough areas of the course, and those areas are usually limited to the fairway ..
The Old Rule in 2004
Here's the most important thing we can tell you about winter rules, and it's something that most golfers don't know: Winter rules were not codified under any of the regular thirty-four Rules of Golf; instead, they were a local rule that had to be enacted before being in effect, just like the "one ball" condition.
The Evolution of Winter Rules
Prior to 2004, the Appendix contained the strong admonition that the USGA and the R&A did not endorse "preferred lies" and "winter rules;" that such rules contravened the fundamental principle of playing the ball as it lies; and that the ruling bodies would ignore any requests for assistance in making rulings when "preferred lies" and "winter rules" were involved.
Who Decides the Rules?
Ultimately, the choice comes down to the individual player as It is not mandatory to take advantage of winter rules — or preferred lies — when the local rule is in effect.
What is preferred lie in golf?
When this Local Rule is in place, the ball may be lifted without penalty and cleaned before placing within a specified distance no closer to the hole. It is worth noting that before you lift the ball you must mark its position.
Why is course maintenance important?
Course maintenance is essential to a well-managed course. There will be times of year when the greenkeeping team will need to create aeration holes, perhaps through the green or on the putting greens to ensure their condition is maintained.
Can you play golf in the cold?
Winter golf might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those that do choose to bundle up and brave the elements, it’s important to know how to play in the cold. Golf in the winter is a completely different brand of golf than when it takes place in more mild weather, and there are several considerations that have to be made to counteract the cold.
Who is Zephyr Melton?
Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF.com, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour.

Local Rules and Bad Course Conditions
The Old Rule in 2004
- Here's the most important thing we can tell you about winter rules, and it's something that most golfers don't know: Winter rules were not codified under any of the regular thirty-four Rules of Golf; instead, they were a local rule that had to be enacted before being in effect, just like the "one ball" condition. That was until 2015 when the Rules ...
The Evolution of Winter Rules
- Prior to 2004, the Appendix contained the strong admonition that the USGA and the R&A did not endorse "preferred lies" and "winter rules;" that such rules contravened the fundamental principle of playing the ball as it lies; and that the ruling bodies would ignore any requests for assistance in making rulings when "preferred lies" and "winter rules" were involved. These statements have be…
Who Decides The Rules?
- Ultimately, the choice comes down to the individual player as It is not mandatory to take advantage of winter rules — or preferred lies — when the local rule is in effect. Players are entitled to take advantage of the rule if it is in effect, but they are also entitled to play the balls as they lie — if they prefer playing the game in the traditional fashion.