From Nationalclubgolfer · Steve Carroll · · 1m
Fairway Mat Rules Explained
How golf clubs use fairway mats in winter without breaking rules.
In brief
How golf clubs use fairway mats in winter without breaking rules. Golfers must use fairway mats if a Local Rule E-12 is in place, but can't place balls on tees or use putters on them. Originally reported by Nationalclubgolfer.
Fairway Mats in Winter
More clubs use fairway mats to protect turf during cold months.
Mandatory Use
Clubs can force fairway mats via Local Rule E-12 with a two-shot penalty for noncompliance.
Ball Placement Rules
If a ball rolls off the mat, players must reposition it twice before moving the mat.
Tee Restrictions
Tees can secure mats but balls must not be placed on them.
Putter Ban
Putter use is prohibited on fairway mats per Local Rule E-12.
Tee Area Prohibition
Fairway mats cannot be used in teeing areas per Rule 6.2b (2) and (3).
Mat Variations
Mats vary in size, design, and materials but must be plain without alignment lines.
The main idea
Golfers must use fairway mats if a Local Rule E-12 is in place, but can't place balls on tees or use putters on them.
