What are the pitfalls for adopting Preferred Lies (Handicapping)?
A. Before a Committee adopts a Local Rule permitting “preferred lies” (winter rules), the following facts should be considered: (i) Such a Local Rule conflicts with the Rules of Golf and the fundamental principle of playing the ball as it lies; (ii) “Preferred lies” is sometimes adopted under the guise of protecting the course when, in fact, the practical effect is just the opposite – it permits moving the ball to the best turf, from which divots are then taken to injure the course further; (iii) “Preferred lies” tends generally to lower scores and Handicap Factors, thus penalizing players in competition with players whose scores are made without preferred lies; (iv) Extended use or indiscriminate use of “preferred lies” will place players at a disadvantage when competing at a course where the ball must be played as it lies.
