England Golf has replaced the Winter Checklist with the Adverse/Extreme Weather Reference Guide, which is being introduced to help clubs not just through winter, but all year round.
Adverse or inclement weather is becoming more frequent during all seasons, so the new document has been put together to provide clubs with guidance and access to the appropriate supporting rules across all 12 months of the year, and while England has an ongoing active season for WHS, the guidance has been designed to support clubs to ensure they can continue to submit acceptable scores for handicapping purposes.
Information within the document remains the same and clubs have access to the supporting rules if their course requires it. Exception MLR E-3 Preferred Lies no longer has a defined period for use (October 1 – April 30), and a club may, if conditions require it, utilise this Model Local Rule throughout the year.
‘Winter Rules’ is not a term stated within the Rules of Handicapping, therefore the guidance has been adapted to be focused on ‘periods of extreme or adverse weather’.
Clubs must use the Model Local Rule appropriately and on areas of the course where it is required. They must also be removed as soon practicably possible.
The new Adverse/Extreme Weather Reference Guide also covers other Local Rules, including the compulsory use of fairway mats and bunkers filled with temporary water, as well as how many temporary greens can be used if a score is to remain acceptable for handicapping purposes.
For more information, click on the following link – Adverse/Extreme Weather Reference Guide replaces Winter Checklist (englandgolf.org)