Yes, your golf club can require you to use a fairway mat during certain times of the year, particularly in winter months when course conditions are most vulnerable. This is done through Local Rule E-12, which is sanctioned by The R&A, the official governing body of golf, and allows clubs to enforce the compulsory use of fairway mats to help protect the turf and preserve course quality.
In winter, golf courses often suffer from wet, muddy, or even frozen ground, making it difficult for golfers to play without damaging the course. Fairway mats provide a solution by giving golfers a consistent and reliable surface to hit from, even in harsh conditions. Without this rule, players might inadvertently cause damage to the course, whether by striking the ground too hard or leaving deep impressions in soft turf. Implementing the fairway mat rule ensures that golfers can still play without compromising the course’s condition.
Here is the official statement on Model Local Rule E-12, as provided by The R&A:
Purpose:
It may be necessary to protect parts of the course from damage during play, particularly when prolonged cold weather limits grass growth. In these situations, the Committee may decide to require the use of mats on areas of the general area that are cut to fairway height or less, where a putter is not being used for the stroke.
This Local Rule is not recommended for use outside the fairway in the general area and does not authorize the restriction of putter use in any specific areas.
For guidance on when and how this Local Rule may be applied, consult the World Handicap System™ publications or other guidance from the local handicapping body.
Model Local Rule E-12:
“When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, and a putter is not being used for the stroke, the player must take free relief by lifting the original ball and placing the original ball or another ball on an artificial mat and play it from there. The mat must be placed on top of the spot where the ball came to rest.
If the ball, when placed, rolls off the mat, the player must try to place it a second time. If the ball again does not stay on the mat, the mat must be moved to the nearest spot (no closer to the hole) where the ball will come to rest on the mat when placed.
If the ball on the mat is accidentally moved before a stroke is made, there is no penalty, and the ball must be placed again on the mat.
If a tee is used to secure the mat into the ground, the ball must not be placed on the tee.”
If you refuse to use the fairway mat when it is required by the club’s Local Rule, there can be a general penalty. This is typically a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or the loss of hole in match play. These penalties are applied when a player is judged to be playing from the wrong place (i.e., off the mat).
The Local Rule also clarifies the steps to take if your ball rolls off the mat after you’ve placed it:
If a tee is used to secure the mat in place, do not place the ball on the tee.
No, fairway mats cannot be used in the rough. According to Model Local Rule E-12, the mat is only allowed in areas that are cut to fairway height or less. The general area includes both the fairway and parts of the course that are maintained at the same height as the fairway, but the rough is excluded from this rule.
If your ball lies in the rough (where the grass is typically higher and thicker than the fairway), you are not permitted to use a fairway mat. The mat should only be used in areas that are cut to fairway height, ensuring consistency and fairness for all players.
For golf clubs, requiring the use of fairway mats during winter is a necessary step to protect course conditions and ensure the course remains in good shape for the next season. With the unpredictable weather in the UK, it’s a straightforward way to prevent the course from getting excessively damaged and ensure golfers can still enjoy their game without causing unnecessary wear to the turf.
Using a fairway mat also ensures that the practice conditions are consistent and fair for all players, giving everyone the same opportunity to practice and compete under the same conditions.
When it comes to choosing the right mat for complying with the winter golf rules, the Spurk Golf Winter Mat is the ideal choice. Specifically designed to meet the requirements of Model Local Rule E-12, the Spurk mat provides a consistent and durable surface that helps protect the course while offering golfers the best possible playing experience during the winter months.
The Spurk Golf Winter Mat is stocked in many golf club pro shops up and down the country, making it easily accessible for golfers of all levels. Whether you’re playing at your local club or traveling to prestigious venues, the Spurk mat is trusted by golf professionals and enthusiasts alike. It’s used at some of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world, ensuring that players have a reliable and high-quality surface for practice and play during the colder months.
Thanks to its advanced design, the Spurk mat ensures that you can continue to work on your game without damaging the course, helping to preserve both the integrity of the turf and the enjoyment of your round. With its wide availability and global reputation, the Spurk Golf Winter Mat is the perfect solution for golfers looking to comply with winter golf rules while getting the most out of their practice sessions.
So, yes, your golf club can enforce the use of fairway mats during winter through Model Local Rule E-12, as set out by The R&A. By following the rules and using a mat, you help preserve the quality of the course while continuing to enjoy your game. The Spurk Golf Winter Mat is an excellent choice to help comply with this rule—allowing you to practice safely and consistently while also ensuring that the turf remains protected during the colder months.
