Winter is coming. For some of you that will mean toting something extra around with your clubs over the next few months – the golf fairway mat.
They’re designed to protect our precious fairways when it’s freezing and the grass isn’t growing.
But can you still put in a score if you’re using that little piece of plastic under the World Handicap System? We have the answer…
Can I submit a score while using a golf fairway mat?
Clubs can bring in a Local Rule that forces players to use fairway mats but England Golf’s Adverse/Extreme Weather Reference Guide says that isn’t a problem for handicap scores.
“Acceptable scores may be returned in competitions and general play when there is a Local Rule in place requiring the compulsory use of fairway mats to protect the natural surfaces of the course,” it reports.
“The use of fairway mats is not allowed within the teeing area, as this would breach Rule of Golf 6.2b (2) and 6.2b (3).”
The Local Rule allows this in parts of the general area cut to fairway height or less. But there are some clubs who require their players to move their ball from the fairway to the rough for their next shot. If that’s the case, these scores are not acceptable for handicapping purposes.
Now have your say
What do you make of these golf fairway mat rules? Does your club say you have to use a mat in the winter months? Let us know what you think about that by leaving us a comment on X.
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