PGA coach Hannah Holden breaks down seven commonly misunderstood winter golf rules to help players avoid penalties and save strokes. The guide covers everything from handling leaves and frost to the correct procedure for taking relief from embedded balls and 'wrong' greens during winter play.
Leaves are generally loose impediments, but if they are stacked for removal, they qualify as Ground Under Repair (GUR).
Frost and dew are NOT classed as temporary water; clearing them from your line of play results in a two-stroke penalty.
When temporary greens are in use, the regular green is considered a 'wrong green,' requiring mandatory full relief for both ball and stance.
Preferred lies (winter rules) typically only apply to areas cut to fairway height or less and allow you to place the ball once within a specified distance.
Relief from an embedded ball is allowed in the 'general area' (including the rough) but not in bunkers or penalty areas.