Please note that preferred lies are now in place for the winter season. If your ball lies on the fairway it can be lifted, cleaned and replaced within 6 inches of the original position, but not nearer the hole. Once replaced, you cannot touch the ball again.
The full ruling from BB&Ofollows:
As of the 1st of October 2024, through to the 30th of April 2025, preferred lies on closely mown areas (maximum of 6 inch relief) are permissible. Please see Model Local Rule E-3 below.
“When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, 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.”