Golf Winter Rules – Preferred Lies
You know that the game can be played year-round if you’re a golf player. But depending on where you live, the course conditions may vary significantly from one season to the next. If you’re playing in cold weather, make sure you know the local rules for winter golf, so you don’t get penalized! This post will give you a brief overview of some of you need to keep in mind when playing golf in wintry conditions.
Preferred Lies
Preferred Lies is a local rule that allows players to lift and place their ball anywhere on the fairway, as long as the ball is not lifted closer to the hole. This can be a helpful rule to use in cold weather since the ground may be covered in snow or ice, and it can be challenging to make a clean shot. Preferred Lies can also be used to relieve an abnormal course condition, such as a soggy fairway.
The Teeing Grounds
Winter conditions can make extracting the ball from the tee more challenging. Consider using wood instead of iron on your tee shot to avoid a bigger divot. If you use an iron, try to strike the bottom of the ball with more of a push than a full swing. And never place your hand inside the ball to warm it up before you hit.
The Fairway
Most courses will not mind if you move around some of the snow on the fairways, but they may have more stringent rules for tee boxes and putting greens. Be sure to check with your golf course before doing anything out of the ordinary. If you make any ground alterations, be sure to fill in the divots once you’re done playing your round.
Shovel
Always carry a small collapsible shovel with you when hitting the links during winter. That way, if there’s a problem with one of your fellow players’ balls (i.e., getting into trouble in the rough), you can help them reach their ball back with a bit of digging.
The Rules of 72
Even if the course is open, the rules of 72 may not be. In some regions, it’s illegal to play golf while there’s a foot or more of snow on the ground. This is because heavy snows have been known to cause death by exposure to the elements.
Call Before You Dig!
Before digging, either for your ball or someone else’s ball, make sure you call 311 in most cities to check if there are any buried utilities nearby. It would be pretty ironic if you were hailed as a hero one minute and then slapped with a $5,000 fine the next.
Final Verdict
If you’re playing golf in cold weather, make sure you know the local rules for winter golf, so you don’t get penalized. This post will give you a brief overview of some of you need to keep in mind when playing golf in wintry conditions. Whether it’s Preferred Lies or The Rules of 72, this article has plenty of helpful information on how to play excellent winter golf with one hand tied behind your back. You’ll be glad that we’ve given our expert opinion and guidance on best practices for wintertime outdoor activities like these. Now go out there and enjoy yourself.
