# Fairway Mat Lines Rule Explained

> Fairway mats with alignment lines are banned under golf rules to prevent cheating.
- Title: Fairway Mat Lines Rule Explained · Nationalclubgolfer
- Summary: Fairway mats with alignment lines are banned under golf rules to prevent cheating. Golf rules prohibit fairway mats with center lines as they act as…
- Keywords: fairway mat, golf rules, alignment lines, training aids, england golf, rule 4.3a, sports, Fairway, Mat, Lines, Rule, Explained
- Source: Nationalclubgolfer — https://nationalclubgolfer.com/rules/can-my-fairway-mat-have-lines-on-it
- Author: Steve Carroll
- Published: 2026-10-08T20:40:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fairway mat, golf rules, alignment lines, training aids, england golf, rule 4.3a, sports
## Fairway mats becoming popular
Golf clubs increasingly use fairway mats to protect turf during winter weather, enforcing their use in areas cut to fairway height or less.
## Rule on fairway mats
Model Local Rule E-12 requires mats but forbids using tees to secure mats into the ground.
## Alignment lines prohibited
England Golf states fairway mats must be plain without lines that help alignment as they would be considered training aids.

> the mats should be plain and may not have lines which help with alignment as they would then be considered a training aid
## Key takeaway

Golf rules prohibit fairway mats with center lines as they act as alignment aids.