England Clubs Can Use Preferred Lies From October 1
England Golf says weather-based Local Rules should apply only while necessary for acceptable scoring.
From October 1, golf clubs in England can introduce preferred lies without first getting county approval. The option remains available through April 30, and it can help competitions continue while allowing scores to count toward the World Handicap System.
Preferred lies let players move a ball within a defined distance of its original position on closely cut grass. For handicap-eligible scores, that allowance is six inches or less. Committees can also permit players to lift, clean and replace their ball, or require fairway mats.
England Golf’s updated adverse-weather guidance adds an important limit: these measures are meant for periods when course conditions would otherwise prevent acceptable scoring. Clubs are expected to remove them as soon as conditions allow. Even with those Local Rules active, courses or tee sets must be taken out of play when scoring conditions are unsuitable, including when the setup does not meet handicapping requirements. That means preferred lies are not automatically a winter-long arrangement; their use depends on the course’s condition.
- The winter Local Rule window runs through April 30.
- Six inches is the maximum relief for WHS-counting scores.
- Fairway mats can be made compulsory under a separate Local Rule.
- Courses or tee sets may be switched off when scoring is unsuitable.
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