Winter Rules 2021

Preferred Lies (Placing)

When a player's ball lies in the general area, the player may take free relief once, by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from the relief area:

· Reference Point:

o Position of the original ball.

· Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point:

o Six inches:

· Limits on Location of Relief Area:

o Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and

o Must be in the general area.

In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b (2) and 14.2e.

A ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Local Rule.

Bunkers

All bunkers will be Out Of Play while Winter Rules are in place.

o Reference Point:

Nearest Point of Complete Relief.

Note: This point can be behind a bunker.

· Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point:

One Club Length:

· Limits on Location of Relief Area:

· Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and

· Must be in the general area.

Note: A player proceeding under this Local Rule may then proceed under the Local Rule covering Preferred Lies.

Relevant Rules

Rule 14.2 Replacing Ball on Spot

b) This Rule applies whenever a ball is lifted or moved and a Rule requires it to be replaced on a spot.

(2) How Ball Must Be Replaced.

The ball must be replaced by setting it down on the required spot and letting it go so that it stays on that spot.

If the player plays a ball that was replaced in a wrong way but on the required spot, the player gets one penalty stroke.

e) What to Do If Replaced Ball Does Not Stay on Original Spot

If the player tries to replace a ball but it does not stay on the required spot, the player must try a second time.

If the ball again does not stay on that spot, the player must replace the ball by placing it on the nearest spot where the ball will stay at rest, but with these limits depending on where the original spot is located:

· The spot must not be nearer the hole.

· Original Spot in General Area. The nearest spot must be in the general area.

Rule 16.1 Free Relief

b. Free relief is allowed when the ball is in the general area and there is interference by an abnormal course condition.

The nearest point of complete relief should be identified and a ball must be dropped in and come to rest in the relief area.

The relief area is one club-length from the reference point, is not nearer to the hole than the reference point and must be in the general area.

When taking relief, the player must take complete relief from all interference by the abnormal course condition.

Updated October 2021