Rules that let golf clubs decide for themselves when to bring in preferred lies have been changed by England Golf.
In an updated Adverse/Extreme Weather Reference Guide, the governing body brought back the traditional ‘winter’ window for the Local Rule – just a year after allowing clubs to apply it as conditions needed.
Now they can once again only use the measure between October 1 and April 30 before “county permission is required”. That also applies to Local Rules on cleaning balls and the compulsory use of fairway mats.
England Golf said the decision had been taken following feedback from counties, with the aim to “ensure clubs are using the rules correctly”.
Last year, NCG reported how the annual winter checklist had been replaced with new advice because bad weather was becoming more frequent during the year.
The biggest change was allowing clubs to use preferred lies – also known as Model Local Rule E-3 – at any point and still submit scores for handicaps.
England Golf guidance stated: “Preferred Lies no longer has a defined period for use, and a club may, if conditions require it, utilise this Model Local Rule throughout the year.”
Explaining the decision, James Luke, then England Golf’s head of handicapping, said: “It is up to golf clubs who know their courses inside and out and understand when they require support to keep them in the condition they need to be in to be acceptable for handicap purposes.”
What do England Golf say about winter rules and preferred lies?
But the revised document has reinstated the old dates and makes it clear to clubs they need to consult their county if they wish to use preferred lies outside that period.
In a section on Model Local rules, it states: “Golf clubs can utilise Model Local Rules E-2, E-12, and E-3 between 1st October and 30th April, but ONLY when it is absolutely necessary to do so, on specified areas of the course and when the conditions would mean that acceptable scoring would not be possible without them being in place.”
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It adds: “Outside this period, permission must be obtained from their County Office.
“It is very important to remember that Model Local Rules may only be used when absolutely necessary, to ensure equity within the World Handicap System.”
Asked about the decision to return to the previous arrangements, and removing clubs as the ultimate authority for judging playing conditions on their courses all year round, Sarah Barter, England Golf’s head of handicapping and course rating, said: “Following feedback from our counties, clubs will be required to seek permission from their County Office before implementing Model Local Rules E-3, E-2, and E-12 between 1st May and 30th September.
“This procedure is being reintroduced to encourage stronger collaboration between counties and their clubs, allowing counties to provide informed guidance on the appropriate use of these rules.
“The aim is to ensure clubs are using the rules correctly, in protecting course conditions, and maintaining fair and consistent scoring environments.
“We will continue to work closely with counties to ensure they have access to the necessary information and educational resources to effectively support their clubs.”
The full document can be found on England Golf’s website.
Now have your say
What do you think of this England Golf preferred lies rule change? Are they right to revert or should it be up to clubs to decide when they bring in certain local rules and winter rules? Let us know in the comments, email me at s.carroll@nationalclubgolfer.com or get in touch on X.
