Winter golf brings a new level of challenge and charm to the course, especially when navigating Scotland's breath-taking courses on crisp, frosty mornings. However, the colder months also mean a shift in rules designed to help golfers get the best from each round. In this post, we’ll explore how winter golf rules differ from summer and dive into some of the quirkiest rules in golf that add a unique flavour to the game.
1. Preferred Lies and Playing the Ball Up
- What It Means: In winter, players are often allowed to lift, clean, and place the ball on closely mowed areas, known as “preferred lies.” During summer, moving the ball position is a violation, but winter rules allow it to prevent mud build up and give players a fairer lie.
- Why It’s Different: Winter weather often leads to muddy or waterlogged fairways, where a ball can be caked in mud. The “preferred lies” rule lets you clean up for a fairer shot.
2. Relief from Casual Water
- What It Means: Casual water, or water that accumulates in unusual areas after heavy rainfall, is common on winter courses. Winter rules allow players to take relief from these areas without penalty.
- Summer Contrast: During summer, this rule is less frequently applied because fairways are generally dry. However, relief from casual water ensures players aren’t disadvantaged by a weather-induced bog.
3. Frost Delays and Snow as a Loose Impediment
- What It Means: Frost delays are common in winter, and golf courses can temporarily close to prevent damage to greens. Also, snow can be treated as either a loose impediment (removable) or casual water (relief allowed).
- Winter vs. Summer: In winter, greens are far more sensitive to foot traffic due to the cold, which can lead to lasting damage. Frost delays ensure that the greens remain playable all season long.
4. Winter Tee Boxes and Temporary Greens
- What It Means: Winter play sometimes involves temporary greens and tee boxes set up to preserve the main areas for summer.
- Why It’s Unique: While temporary greens may not offer the smoothest putts, they ensure courses are in top condition when spring rolls around.
Hats off to our greenkeepers who battle Scottish elements to ensure the courses are in tip top condition.
Fun & Quirky Golf Rules
To wrap up, here are a few lesser-known, quirky golf rules:
- The Leaf Rule: In the autumn months, a ball lost under a pile of leaves (on a fairway or green) can be replayed without penalty, saving you from a frustrating leaf hunt.
- The Bird Interference Rule: If a bird (or other animal) moves your ball, you can replace it without penalty. However, if the ball moves after it’s set, a penalty applies – nature’s part of the game!
- Clubhead in the Bag Rule: Ever lost a club during a round? Oddly enough, if you start with 14 clubs and lose one, you can’t replace it mid-round. This applies even if it’s accidentally left at home
Remember SHOP OUR COLLECTION to keep your club heads cosy this winter
