The use of portable mats in winter time is not a breach of the rules

IT’S winter and of course that means changes to the way we play the game of golf with placing, forward tees and the introduction of portable mats to protect the fairways.

However, there seems to be a perception among some that the use of these mats is actually a breach of the rules of golf.

Well, I’ve done a little research on this and have found that it is actually not and there’s is even provision by CONGU for the use of mats in counting competitions.

Here is CONGU’s stance on mats quoted verbatim:

CONGU Decision.1(a) Status of a Competition When the Use of Fairway Mats Is Obligatory

Question: May an Affiliated Club conduct a Qualifying Competition(s) when the use of fairway mats to protect the course is obligatory?

Answer: Yes, a club may run Qualifying Competition(s) under such conditions provided if

(a) Their use is restricted to the Preferred Lie Period (October 1 to April 30)

(b) All other requirements for Competition Play Conditions have been satisfied

(c) A Local Rule for the use of Fairway Mats has been set out in the conditions of the competition

So, there you have it and for those who worry about such things, sure haven’t we’ve all broken the rules overs the years by playing Scrambles, which, of course, are not catered for in the rules of golf.