Kent Golf Limited
Extension of Winter Rules to 31 May 2024
Date published: 21 Mar 2024
Please be advised that England Golf are planning to extend the period of Preferred Lies. As stated in the Winter Checklist, the period of preferred lies was due to end on the 30th of April 2024. However, due to the unprecedented weather conditions during the 2023/2024 winter period whereby many clubs have experienced rainfall in record numbers, England Golf have decided to provide an extension to the preferred lies period up to 31st May 2024. The below Model Local Rule should continue to be used.
When a player's ball lies in a 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: 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, and
- 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. But, for the purposes of applying Rule 14.2e, the player has only chosen the spot on which to place the ball once the ball has been set down, and the player has let the ball go with the intent for that ball to be in play.
After a ball has been placed and is in play under this Local Rule, if the player then proceeds under another Rule that provides relief, this Local Rule may be used again.
For clarification, relief is available within the general area if any part of the ball touches an area cut to fairway height or less.
England Golf hope by taking the initiative to extend the preferred lies period it will support golf clubs in their course maintenance plans and ensure they can set up their course appropriately whereby they courses will be in an acceptable condition to submit scores for handicapping either through General Play or Competition rounds.
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