Winter 2026: Fairway Mats
Introduction of Model Local Rule E-12 (Use of Mats)
The Committee advises that Model Local Rule E-12 will be in effect from Thursday 12th November 2026, until further notice.
During this period, All Club Competitions and General Play Scores must only be submitted when a fairway mat is used in accordance with the following rule:
“When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, and a putter is not being used for the stroke, the player must take free relief by lifting the original ball and placing the original ball or another ball on an artificial mat and playing it from there.”
Procedure:
- The mat must be placed on top of the spot where the ball came to
- If the ball, when placed, rolls off the mat, the player must try to place it a second
- If the ball again does not stay on the mat, move the mat to the nearest spot, not nearer the hole, where the ball will come to rest when placed.
- If the ball on the mat is accidentally moved before a stroke is made, there is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on the mat.
- If a tee is used to secure the mat, the ball must not be placed on the tee. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place: General Penalty under Rule 7a.
THE FAIRWAY MAT CANNOT BE USED IN THE ROUGH.
Please Note that the Snape Cup remains optional for the use of Fairway Mats.