The Golf Channel for Golf Lessons

Preferred lies

Rules Guy: When playing preferred lies, can you adjust the ball’s position after placing it?

Rules Guy: When playing preferred lies, can you adjust the ball’s position after placing it?

**Preferred Lies: Adjusting Ball Position**

According to Rule 25-3 of the Rules of Golf, when playing a preferred lie, the ball must be placed back onto the ground within the one-club-length area selected. However, the ball’s position can be adjusted after it has been placed if it is in a “wrong place.” A “wrong place” is defined as a spot where the ball sits up abnormally or could roll off its own accord.

The player can make a “reasonable adjustment” to the ball’s position to correct this, but the new location must still be within the one-club-length area.

Read More