Ever heard a playing partner say winter rules are on today or we're playing lift, clean, and place? These phrases refer to one of the most common - and commonly misunderstood - local rules in golf: the preferred lie. Far from a cheater's pass, this rule exists for very specific reasons and comes with a strict procedure. This complete guide will walk you through exactly what a preferred lie is, when you can take one, the step-by-step process for doing it right, and the mistakes to avoid, so you can play with confidence no matter the conditions.
At its heart, a preferred lie is a temporary, local rule that allows a player to lift their golf ball, clean it, and place it in a different spot within a certain distance of its original position. The most common informal name for this is "Winter Rules" because it's most often put into effect during the winter months when course conditions tend to deteriorate due to wet weather and dormant grass.
The core concept is fairness and playability. Golf is meant to reward good shots. Hitting a perfect drive down the center of the fairway, only to find your ball resting in a muddy, plug-marked lie because the ground is soft, simply isn’t a fair outcome. A preferred lie rule allows the committee to level the playing field when conditions are subpar, restoring the advantage of a well-played shot.
One important point to always remember: preferred lies are not an inherent part of the official Rules of Golf. It is a local rule. This means it must be officially declared "in effect" by the committee in charge of the course or a competition for that day. You cannot just decide with your group that you're playing winter rules because the course looks a bit scruffy.
Understanding the strict boundaries of this rule is the difference between playing correctly and accidentally breaching a rule. The where, when, and how are all defined by the local rule itself.
This is the most misunderstood part of the rule. Preferred lies can almost always only be taken when your ball is in a "closely-mown area." According to the USGA and R&,A, this refers to any part of the course cut to fairway height or less. This includes:
Most importantly, it means you CANNOT take a preferred lie if your ball is in:
So, if you hit a wild slice into the tall stuff, you don't get to improve your messy lie. The rule is designed to reward shots that found the intended playing surface, not to bail you out of trouble.
The local rule will always specify the size of the relief area. There is no one-size-fits-all distance. The most common allowances are:
Always check the sign in the pro shop or the competition's rule sheet to know the exact distance you're allowed. Whichever distance it is, you must place your ball in a spot that is no nearer the hole than its original position.
Playing a preferred lie isn't as simple as just nudging the ball with your foot (a move sometimes called the "foot wedge"). It has a formal procedure that you must follow to be compliant with the rules. Nail this routine, and you'll do it right every time.
Before you even think about touching your ball, look down. Are you on the fairway? Is your ball on the fringe? If the answer is yes, you can proceed. If you're in the rough, play the ball as it lies.
This is the step most casual players forget, but it's vital. Before lifting the ball, you must mark its original position. Use a tee, a coin, or a proper ball marker and place it directly behind your ball. This marker is your reference point for the entire procedure.
Now, you can pick up your ball. One of the main benefits of winter rules is getting to clean off any mud or debris that has collected on your ball. A clean ball flies truer and putts more predictably. Take a moment to wipe it down with a towel.
From your ball marker, you can now determine where to place your ball. Use your scorecard or a club to measure the allowed distance (e.g., 6 inches, a scorecard length). Find a nice, grassy patch within that radius. Remember the two golden rules for your new spot:
This part is also specific. You do not drop the ball. You must place it by hand on the spot you've chosen. Gently set it on the turf. Once you let go of the ball, it is officially "in play." If you place the ball and it immediately rolls away from the spot, you must attempt to place it on that spot again. If it won't stay, you must find the nearest spot (no nearer the hole) where it will stay at rest.
Once your ball is at rest, you can pick up your marker. Now you're ready to address your ball and hit your shot from its new, preferred lie.
Even with the best intentions, players often make mistakes with this rule. Being aware of the common errors will help you steer clear of them.
Preferred lies, or winter rules, are a sensible solution to ensure fair play when course conditions are poor. By allowing you to lift, clean, and place your ball on closely-mown areas, the rule helps negate the bad luck of a good shot finding a muddy lie. Memorize the simple procedure - confirm, mark, lift, place, and play - and you’ll be able to use the rule correctly and confidently.
Understanding nuances like preferred lies can make the game less confusing, but questions always come up on the course. Navigating tricky rulings or tough lies is where having instant, expert advice makes a real difference. That’s why we built Caddie AI. If you're ever standing over a ball and unsure about a rule or the best way to play the shot, you can ask for immediate guidance. It’s designed to be your ever-present coach and caddie, taking the guesswork out of difficult situations so you can focus on playing your best.
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