Revised: March 19, 2025

When the Tournament Chairman invokes Winter Rules for an STMGC tournament, the following procedures apply.

Winter Rules / Preferred Lies

Also known as Preferred Lies, Winter Rules allow players to lift, clean and place their ball in certain closely mown areas of the course.

Winter Rules apply when a ball comes to rest in:

• Fairways
• Putting greens
• Fringes and collars
• Green aprons
• Teeing areas

Winter Rules do not apply in:

• Rough
• Bunkers
• Penalty Areas

Exception: If a ball lies in a bunker affected by an abnormal course condition such as standing water, a drain or steps, relief may be taken under Rule 16.1, however the ball must be dropped back into the bunker.

Procedure

The player may:

• Mark the position of the ball.
• Lift and clean the ball.
• Place the ball within the approved relief area.
• Replace the ball in the same area of cut grass.

Relief Area

• Within six inches of the original position, or
• Within the length of the STMGC scorecard.