A complete guide to winter rules for golf

If you’re an all-year-rounder, you’ll know that golf has slightly different rules and considerations when played during the winter months (or any period of adverse weather, for that matter).

But with unpredictable and volatile weather conditions becoming increasingly frequent, golf’s winter rules have had a bit of a refresh.

In October 2024, the sport’s main governing bodies set out a new Adverse/Extreme Weather Reference Guide to help golfers and golf clubs better navigate the season.

In this blog, we look at the new winter rules for golf and highlight a handful of other considerations golfers must make out on the course at this time of year.

What does the new winter golf rules guide say?

The Model Local Rule E-3, better known as Preferred Lies, normally runs from October 1 to the end of April. However, this has been extended into May due to prolonged wet weather in recent years. From now on, though, this will be available all year round, and golfers can still post acceptable scores under the World Handicap System.

The rule states: “When any part of a player's ball touches 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 in and playing it from this relief area:

• Reference Point: Spot of the original ball
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: [Specify size of relief area, such as one club length, once scorecard length or 6 inches] from the reference point, but with these limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
  - Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point
  - Must be in the general area

Preferred Lies no longer has a defined period for use, and a club may, in theory, use it all year round. However, it must be removed as soon as is practicably possible.

This means that golf clubs can now self-operate to ensure their members and guests get a fair rub of the green. 

Exceptions to the rule

Wales Golf is expected to follow suit, while Scottish Golf will still work with the original October-April dates.

However, Scottish golf clubs were given the power to implement temporary approvals last year, and that will be the same again for 2024-2025.

Other winter golf rules to consider

Ball in a divot

This remains probably the most talked about golf rule in winter. In the summer months, when you find the fairway but also the middle of an old divot, you’ll be told to play it as it lies (cue a lot of huffing and puffing before and after the shot).

But in winter, you can move it to a closely mown area. You can also place your ball, normally within six inches, but NOT nearer the hole.

Ball in leaves

Under Model Local Rule F-14, you might be able to get a free drop even if you can't find your ball.

The rule states: “At certain times of the year, piles of loose impediments such as leaves, seeds or acorns may make it difficult for a player to find or play their ball. A Committee can choose to treat such piles of loose impediments in the general area or in a bunker as ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.”

So, check before you head out to play to see if you can implement this local rule to your advantage. Otherwise, you’ll have the usual three minutes to look for your ball, and then it's stroke and distance.

Ball embedded

If your ball is embedded in the rough in winter, you can get relief and move the ball one club length away (but no nearer the hole). So, you don't need to smash away at the ball—if your ball has broken the surface of the ground, you can pick it up and place it.

Nobody truly wants to use a mat but there is a local rule – Model Local Rule E-12 – which states you don't have a choice. The course must be protected in winter, and mats are a big part of that process.

The rule states: “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 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.”

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