Dear Linda,
Some time ago, I played at a resort golf course with a few holes having dropping zones for a ball in the water hazards. In each of these dropping zones, there is a signage indicating that preferred lies is applicable after dropping a ball in the dropping zone. I think the intent is good because the dropping zones are filled with divots. After dropping a ball in the dropping zone, the ball may roll into a divot, which would then add on to the agony of the player concerned. By allowing preferred lies in a dropping zone, if the dropped ball rolls into a divot, the player has the option to play his ball within 6 inches or within a score card length on a nice turf before playing his next shot. This would help to speed up the game without adding agony to the player concerned.
However, I am wondering whether the above local rule is within the rules of golf. On the day concerned, we play the ball as it lies (i.e., preferred lies is NOT applicable). Also, it appears to me that the dropping zones are not relocated on a regular basis based on the presence of many divots.
I would appreciate your comments on whether there can be a local rule allowing preferred lies in dropping zones when preferred lies is not applicable for the day of play.
Thank you and best regards
Lou Lou
Dear Lou Lou,
When a Committee decides to permit “preferred lies,” it is allowed to specify a limited area. Even though you are playing the ball as it lies everywhere else, there is no reason why a Committee cannot write a Local Rule that states that preferred lies will be in effect for all designated dropping zones [Appendix I, Part B, 4c].
Linda
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