"Winter rules" is the everyday name for a Local Rule a club adopts when the ground is poor. The R&A's two models are E-2 (Cleaning Ball), where you mark, lift, clean and replace the ball on the same spot, and E-3 (Preferred Lies), where you may place it in a small relief area, no nearer the hole. The card sets the distance, so read it before you tee off.
The ChartE-2 Cleaning Ball vs E-3 Preferred Lies
| Question | E-2 Cleaning Ball | E-3 Preferred Lies |
|---|---|---|
| What you may do | Lift the ball, clean it and replace it on its original spot, without penalty. | Take free relief once, placing the original ball or another ball in the relief area and playing it from there. |
| Where the ball goes | Back on the original spot (Rule 14.2). | Inside the relief area measured from the spot of the original ball. It must not be nearer the hole than that spot, and it must be in the general area. |
| How far | No distance. Same spot. | Set by the Local Rule. The R&A's examples are 6 inches, one scorecard length or one club-length. |
| Where it applies | The area the Committee names, such as the general area, one hole, or the general area cut to fairway height or less. Committees often limit it to the fairway. | When any part of your ball touches the general area cut to fairway height or less, or a specific area the Committee names, such as the fairway of the 6th hole. The R&A says relief is generally limited to the fairway. |
| Mark the ball first? | Yes. You must mark the spot before lifting (Rule 14.1). | Recommended, and there is no penalty if you do not. |
| How often | Not stated in the model rule. | Once. If wind later moves the ball, you cannot prefer the lie again. |
| What it is for | Mud sticking to the ball when the ground is otherwise good. | Temporary abnormal conditions, such as heavy snow or prolonged rain. |
| Penalty for breaking it | Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty under Rule 14.7a. | |
Source: The R&A, Committee Procedures, Section 8, Model Local Rules E-2 and E-3; The R&A, 2025/2026 Winter Rules FAQ's.
The E-3 relief area is measured from where your ball lay, not from the hole. The R&A says the local handicapping authority may also specify or limit its size.
WhenWho turns it on, and when it ends
The Committee decides whether to adopt E-3, and sometimes the national handicapping authority decides. The R&A advises checking with your national association first. A Local Rule like this should end as soon as conditions improve.
Neither model can be introduced once a stroke-play round has begun, though either can be introduced between holes in a match. In stroke play, the answer should be on the card or Local Rules sheet before you start.
Can IFive "can I" answers
Can I move my ball in the rough? Usually not. E-3 relief is generally limited to a ball on the fairway, and the R&A advises against using it outside the fairway. E-2 can be extended to the whole general area if the Committee decides to. If your card does not say, check with your club or committee.
Can I roll it closer to the hole? No. The E-3 relief area must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, which is the spot of your original ball.
Can I prefer my lie a second time? No. You may prefer it once, and if the wind blows the ball off the spot afterward you cannot prefer it again. The Local Rule text adds one exception: if you later proceed under another Rule that provides relief, the Local Rule may be used again.
Do I have to mark the ball? Under E-3 it is recommended, with no penalty if you forget. Under E-2 you must mark the spot, because you are replacing the ball on it.
Can I get free relief if my ball is embedded? Yes, in the general area, under Rule 16.3. Drop within one club-length behind the spot where it was embedded, in the general area and not nearer the hole than that spot. You have to find the ball to take this relief. It does not apply to a ball embedded in sand in a part of the general area not cut to fairway height or less.
Using itHow to use this on the course
Check the card, the starter's sheet or the pro shop board for the words "cleaning ball", "preferred lies" or "E-3". Look for three things: the area it covers, the distance, and whether it is still in effect.
Under E-3, mark your ball, lift it, and measure from the mark using the length the Local Rule names. If it says a scorecard length, use your scorecard. If it says one club-length, use a club. Place the ball inside that area, no nearer the hole, and in the general area. You use the replacing procedures in Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e, and you have chosen your spot only once the ball has been set down and you have let it go with the intent for it to be in play.
Under E-2, mark, lift, clean and replace on the same spot. Nothing moves.
For other kinds of free relief, see the relief cheat sheet. For how strokes are given on the card, see the strokes received chart.
Watch forCommon mix-ups
Assuming it applies everywhere. Both models name an area. E-3 is generally the fairway only, so a ball in the rough stays where it is unless the Committee says otherwise.
Treating the distance as your choice. The relief area size is written into the Local Rule. Six inches, a scorecard length and one club-length are examples, and your course picks one.
Using it when it was added mid-round. In stroke play, the Local Rule cannot be introduced once the round has begun. If someone announces it on the 7th tee, check with your club or committee.
Expecting free relief from leaves. Generally there is no free relief under the Rules of Golf if you cannot find your ball in leaves. A Committee may adopt Local Rule F-14 for large piles of leaves or acorns, which does not cover scattered individual leaves. Where it is known or virtually certain the ball is in the affected area, relief is available under Rule 16.1.
Wondering what it does to your handicap. The R&A says the handicap guidance sits in the World Handicap System publications. For how your own round is posted, check with your club or committee. Terms like these are also in the golf glossary.
FAQQuick answers
What are winter rules in golf?
Winter rules is the common name for a Local Rule a club adopts when conditions are poor. The R&A's models are E-2, Cleaning Ball, and E-3, Preferred Lies. Your card sets the details.
How far can I move my ball on preferred lies?
As far as the Local Rule says. The R&A's examples are 6 inches, one scorecard length or one club-length from the original spot, never nearer the hole and always in the general area.
What is the difference between E-2 and E-3?
With E-2 you mark, lift, clean and replace the ball on the same spot. With E-3 you may also place it elsewhere inside a stated relief area, once.
Who decides when preferred lies are in effect?
The Committee, and sometimes the national handicapping authority. The R&A says such a Local Rule should end as soon as conditions improve.
What is the penalty for breaking E-2 or E-3?
Both list the same penalty: the General Penalty under Rule 14.7a, for playing a ball from a wrong place in breach of a Local Rule.
Can I introduce winter rules in the middle of a round?
In match play, between holes, yes. In stroke play, no: neither E-2 nor E-3 can be introduced once a stroke-play round has begun.