WLGA Local Rules (Play Days Only)

  2 Putt Rule -

Conditions of the greens after aeration can vary, especially with sanding, significantly altering putting on the greens.  The 2 Putt Rule is available up to 7 days only on WLGA Play Days after green aeration in the Spring and Fall (large holes only).

  1. The Play Day Coordinator should announce to players in advance that the 2 Putt Rule is in effect, but this is not a requirement. The player does not have to announce use of the rule in advance to her playing partners.
  2.  If a ball is lying on the green, the player may pick up her ball after making a maximum of 2 putts on the green and record 2 putts for the hole in addition to the previous strokes made on the hole.
  3. Using a putter to make a stroke from off the green (fairway/fringe/rough) is not considered a putt.
  4. The 2 Putt Rule is available to all players, but it is optional.  The player may decide to count all of her putts on a hole.
  5. The player need not apply the 2 Putt Rule on every hole.  She may decide to apply the 2 Putt Rule on selected holes, depending on green conditions.
  6. Scores on play days when the 2 Putt Rule is in effect are considered postable scores for handicap purposes.  Aerated greens are considered a form of temporary Abnormal Ground Condition under this WLGA local rule.

 

Preferred Lies (Lift, Clean & Place) –

On WLGA play days when the course is designated by the club as Cart Path Only, the Preferred Lies Rule (Lift, Clean & Place) will be in effect.

  1. The Play Day Coordinator should announce in advance that the Preferred Lies Rule is effect, but this is not a requirement.  The player does not have to announce use of the rule in advance to her playing partners.
  2. If a ball is lying in the fairway only, the player may take free relief once by placing the ball within 1 club length of the original ball, no closer to the hole.
  3. The player should mark the ball before lifting it.
  4. The player may clean the ball or substitute a new ball before placing the ball on the new spot.
  5. Any club except the putter may be used to measure the 1 club length.
  6. This rule does not replace the Abnormal Ground Condition (Temporary Water) Rule.  This rule can be applied in addition to or in place of the Preferred Lies Rule if water is noted to be pooling around the player’s shoes. In this case, the player should find the nearest point of complete relief (no water pooling) and drop the ball within 1 club length, no closer to the hole.  The new spot may be more than 1 club length from the original spot.
  7. Scores on play days when the Preferred Lies Rule is in effect are considered  postable scores for handicap purposes.

Updated by Clare Clark on 03/26/2025