When a club determines that conditions warrant the implementation of preferred lies within the preferred lie period it must refer to the Rules of Golf Model Local Rule E-3 of the Committee Procedures.
Scores returned when preferred lies are in operation will be valid as Acceptable Scores only when a Local Rule has been made and published in accordance with Rules of Golf Model Local Rule E-3 of the Committee Procedures as follows:
“When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less [or identify a specific area such as ‘on the fairway of the 6th hole’], the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:
Reference Point: Spot of the original ball.
Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: 6 inches from the reference point, but with these limits:
- Limits on Location of Relief Area
- Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
- Must be in the general area
In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b (2) and 14.2e.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a; if a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of this Local Rule, no additional penalty under the Local Rule is applied.”
Note: In GB&I Acceptable Scores may be returned only when the specified area is within six inches (15cms).
Such a Local Rule may be applied to the course or to specific part(s) of the course and the Local Rule should be withdrawn as soon as conditions allow. The Local Rule should not be implemented or withdrawn once play has commenced on any given day as not all players would gain the same benefit from its use.
The use of this Local Rule outside the fairway in the general area is not recommended as it may result in a player receiving free relief from areas where a ball might otherwise be unplayable (such as in areas of bushes or trees). Scores returned under such a provision would not be Acceptable Scores for handicapping purposes.
When a club considers that adverse conditions warrant an extension of the preferred lie period to all, or part, of the course, representations should be made by the Club to the Wales Golf in accordance with its guidelines.