When should preferred lies be used under the Rules of Golf?
A. As provided in Rule 33-8a, the Committee may make and publish Local Rules for local abnormal ground conditions if they are consistent with the policy established in Appendix 1 – Local Rules; Conditions of the Competition – PART A – Local Rules: 4. Temporary Conditions – Mud, Extreme Wetness, Poor Conditions and Protection of Course a. Lifting an Embedded Ball, Cleaning – Temporary conditions that might interfere with proper playing of the game, including mud and extreme wetness, warranting relief for an embedded ball anywhere through the green or permitting lifting, cleaning and replacing a ball anywhere through the green or on a closely-mown area through the green. b. “Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules” – Adverse conditions, including the poor condition of the course or the existence of mud, are sometimes so general, particularly during winter months, that the Committee may decide to grant relief by temporary Local Rule either to protect the course or to promote fair and pleasant p
