# Fairway Mat Rules Explained

> How golf clubs use fairway mats in winter without breaking rules.
- Title: Fairway Mat Rules Explained · Nationalclubgolfer | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: fairway mat, local rule e-12, golf rules, tee, putter, golf club, Nationalclubgolfer
- Source: Nationalclubgolfer — https://nationalclubgolfer.com/rules/fairway-mat-rules-round-up
- Author: Steve Carroll
- Published: 2026-11-12T14:33:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fairway mat, local rule e-12, golf rules, tee, putter, golf club, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.