What are winter golf mats?
Somewhat surprisingly, a fair number of people have messaged me having viewed my 5 of the best winter golf mats on Amazon blog post to ask what the purpose of a fairway mat is. For as long as I’ve played golf, the use of fairway mats during the winter has been standard practice, particularly on parkland courses, so I can only assume the majority of these questions have come from golfers who play on links courses or live in countries with better weather than the UK.
But, just in case you are wondering, winter golf mats are specifically designed mats used on the golf course during winter months to protect the turf from damage while allowing play to continue. They come in all different shapes and sizes and are manufactured mainly from rubber and plastic materials.
While most golfers would prefer to play directly from the turf, as they do in better weather, winter golf mats at least allow play to continue during the off-season, giving the course a chance to recover.
Benefits of using winter golf mats
Some of the main benefits of using a winter golf mat (also referred to as a fairway golf mat or winter rules mat) are as follows:
- Course Protection: The number one reason for the introduction of mats at most golf courses and the biggest benefit of their use is that they significantly reduce the risk of damaging the course during winter play. They prevent golfers from impacting the ground directly, minimising damage from divots on soft areas including fairways and aprons around greens.
- Consistent Playing Surface: Fairway mats create a consistent and reliable surface for golfers to hit from, regardless of the underlying ground conditions. While the quality of mats can vary, their use ensures a fair and enjoyable experience for all players, especially during winter competitions.
- Maintaining Playability: By implementing the use of winter golf mats, golf clubs can ensure the course remains playable throughout the winter months, allowing golfers to continue enjoying their game while minimizing the impact on the course’s condition. This is particularly important for parkland courses, which often have poorer drainage than links golf courses during wet periods. Allowing golf to continue to be played all year round brings with it financial benefits for clubs in terms of memberships, green fee and pro shop/bar sales.
Understanding local rule E-12
The use of winter golf mats is governed by Local Rule E-12 (Compulsory Use of Fairway Mats), sanctioned by The R&A – the governing body of golf. Rules may vary ever so slightly from one club to another, but generally speaking, golfers must follow these rules:
- 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 placing the ball on an artificial mat.
- The mat must be placed on top of the spot where the ball came to rest.
- If the ball rolls off the mat, the player must try to place it again. If it rolls off again, the mat can be moved to the nearest spot where the ball will stay on the mat. This cannot be closer to the hole.
- If the ball is accidentally moved before a stroke is made, there is no penalty, and the ball must be placed back on the mat.
- If a tee is used to secure the mat, the ball must not be placed on the tee.
What happens if you don't use a winter golf mat
If you refuse to use a fairway mat when implemented as a club’s Local Rule or use it when you’re not supposed to, you might just find yourself in hot water.
Firstly, on the course, you might be assessed a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or the loss of a hole-in-match play. These penalties are applied when a player is judged to be playing from the wrong place (i.e., off the mat).
More concerningly, however, are the greenkeeping staff and committee, who will likely take a dim view of you not playing your part in following the rules and protecting the golf course. Quite quickly, you might find yourself with a warning or even a dismissal from the club. So be warned. If your club requests you use a golf mat then make sure you do.
Can I use my mat in the rough?
I’ve witnessed some questionable use of winter golf mats, particularly during casual rounds with friends. It might seem fine to make use of your mat in the rough to improve your lie under the guise of protecting the course, but this is not allowed.
Local Rule E-12 specifically states that golf mats are only permitted in areas of the general area cut to fairway height or less. Unfortunately, the use of winter golf mats is not permitted in the rough.
Another common mistake some golfers make is to tee the ball up on the mat when using the mat on the fairway. While teeing up is permitted for tee shots, it is not allowed for any other shots.
Buying the right winter golf mat for your needs
For those of you who are looking to comply with your club’s local rules and protect the course, the good news is that there’s a wide range of winter golf mats available. Choosing the right mat can significantly improve your performance and enjoyment on the golf course during the winter months. Luckily for you, I’ve already done the groundwork and have pulled together a list of the best winter golf mats currently on the market.
