Ask Linda #56-"Winter Rules"

Hi Linda,
If you are playing winter rules and are allowed to bump your ball in the
fairway (no closer to the green of course), does that also mean you can bump
on the collar of the green? I was told that is considered part of the
fairway. Is that correct?

Dear Lulu,
The rule book is very specific regarding a local rule for “winter rules” (also known as “preferred lies”). You can find the precise wording in the back of your rule book in Appendix I, Part B, #4, c.

In order to understand the rule, you need to know that a “closely mown area” refers to any area on the course where the grass is cut to fairway height or less. This would include fairways, dew paths, and the apron around the green. So the answer to your question as to whether the apron (or collar) is considered “fairway,” in this context, is yes.

I’m a little concerned about your reference to “bumping,” however. Let’s take a look at the rule:

If your ball is lying on a closely mown area, you may lift and clean it without penalty. However, before lifting the ball you must mark it. You may then place it within a specified distance (e.g., 6”, one foot, one club-length, whatever distance is the rule for the day) from your mark that is not closer to the hole. You may NOT place it on a putting green or in a hazard.

Once you place the ball it is in play. You may not adjust the position a second time.

If you do not mark the ball before you lift it, or if you move it with a club, you incur a penalty of one stroke. So if by “bumping” you mean using a club to roll the ball, that’s a no-no.

I understand that, in a casual round, players might tend to move the ball with a club to save time. I would caution that this is a bad habit to get into, since you would be penalized for doing so in a tournament.

Linda

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