Actually, under the Rules of Golf, there’s no such thing as “winter rules.” But wait a minute, we play by them when the course gets sloppy, don’t we? Yes. Because we adopt a local rule.
Here’s what the USGA says, under “’Preferred Lies’ and ‘Winter Rules.’ “Adverse conditions, including the poor condition of the course or the existence of mud, are sometimes so general, particularly during winter months, that the Committee may decide to grant relief by temporary Local Rule either to protect the course or to promote fair and pleasant play.
“The Local Rule should be withdrawn as soon as the conditions warrant.” The ASMC Tournament Committee generally waits until carts are not permitted on the course, which is a pretty good indicator, before implementing a local rule allowing players to improve their lie, usually by six inches in the same turf condition (that is, in the rough, you stay in the rough).
And since, under the Rules, the embedded ball rule applies only in “closely-mown areas,” like the fairway or fringe, the Committee usually adopts a rule allowing relief anywhere except in a hazard.
Again, here’s what the USGA says under “Lifting an Embedded Ball, Cleaning.” “Temporary conditions that might interfere with proper playing of the game, including mud and extreme wetness, warranting relief for an embedded ball anywhere through the green or permitting lifting, cleaning and replacing a ball anywhere through the green or on a closely mown area through the green.”
This is a problem throughout the year in the grassy area around and behind No. 8 green, for example. In a Men’s Club tournament, you may NOT take relief from an embedded ball in these rough areas unless the Committee has specified a local rule granting relief for an embed ball “through the green.”
In any game, you should clarify whether you’re playing under a local rule that allows you to improve your lie. Whether you’re playing under “winter rules” or the actual Rules of Golf, you must post your score.
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