From Nationalclubgolfer · Steve Carroll · · 1m
Can I tilt fairway mat for different lie?
Players can't tilt fairway mats to create an upslope lie under golf rules.
In brief
Players can't tilt fairway mats to create an upslope lie under golf rules. Using fairway mats to create an upslope lie for better ball positioning is against golf rules. Originally reported by Nationalclubgolfer.
Fairway mats at clubs
Clubs use fairway mats to protect turf during wet and cold weather.
Local rule for mats
Local Rule MLR E-12 requires fairway mats in some clubs during spring.
Mats pose rule challenges
Mats can't be used in teeing areas and must not assist alignment.
Player asks about tilting
A player asked if they could tilt mats to create an upslope lie for better ball positioning.
Rule 4.3a applies
Rule 4.3a covers equipment use and whether tilting mats gains an advantage.
R&A response
The R&A says using mats to gain an advantage is not allowed under golf rules.
The bottom line
Using fairway mats to create an upslope lie for better ball positioning is against golf rules.
