What are WINTER RULES, and how are they used in UCGC tournaments?
Winter rules are used to make playing more enjoyable in abnormal weather and course conditions. When the UCGC posts “WINTER RULES”, it means specifically that the following is allowed: “Through the green”, that is, anywhere except in a hazard(bunker) or on the green you may mark, lift, clean, and place the ball one scorecard length(scorecard of the course being played) from the original mark, no closer to the hole. This means that the rule applies on the fringe, but not on the green. This also means that if the ball is in the rough(but not a hazard) you may mark, lift, clean, and place the ball one scorecard from the original position. The etiquette of the game is such that when a ball is moved it should be moved onto the same type of surface it was on it’s original lie. This means that the rule is not meant to be used to move a ball from the rough to the fairway. (This Ruling is in accordance with the USGA’s Rules of Golf: Appendix I local rules; Conditions of the competition Part A:
