PREFERRED LIES

The rule relating to preferred lies is a local rule and varies from course to course

So, this is a summary of the rule.

When taking a preferred lie, the player may take relief once by placing the original ball within the appropriate distance of the original spot. 

Several things are important to note here. 

Firstly, it is vital to choose a good place to move your ball to, because if you decide you don’t like it, too late, you can only move it once under this rule.

Secondly, what happens if you place your ball and it subsequently moves off that spot? In the past, as many of you would remember, you had to play the ball from where it rolled to. BUT, this rule changed in 2019 and, now, you must replace the ball on the spot you first moved it to. If for some reason, it won’t stay there, you need to place it as near as possible, no nearer the hole, so that it will stay in place.

Thirdly, do you have to mark the original spot before you prefer your ball? Again, in the old rules you did have to. Again, this changed in 2019, so that you can simply move it to the new position. However, if you wish to clean your ball, as permitted, before you prefer it, then it makes total sense to put a marker down in the original position, so that you know exactly where it was.

Fourthly, it is very important, when playing at other clubs, to check their local rule regarding preferred lies, as often they can be different from our local rule. For example, some clubs only have 15cm, not 30cm preferred lie. (I have even played at a course where there was a club length preferred lie!) 

Some courses may also have preferred lies on just one or two fairways that may have been damaged. Others, I am told, insist on you marking your ball. So, with this and all other local rules, make sure you are in the habit of reading the local rules board at any club where you play.

Finally, on this topic, try your best to get into the habit of checking the sign on our first tee. (There are 2 of them!) How many times have you been walking down the first and suddenly wondered whether its preferred lies fairways only, or in the general area (through the green)

Taken with appreciation from the ladies blog