clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
I don’t prefer my lie unless the balls got mud on then it’s anywhere within 6”.
Fairway mats
- Thread starter Taz
- Start date
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
That is the correct thing to do.IMO.
Mats are to protect the course
The spikes on a spurk are to hold the mat in place not to negate the gradient of a slope.
Just my opinion
Our comps have started while mats are in use so I have already witnessed arguments over this will be interesting to hear the clubs view.
Swango1980
Well-known member
You are still failing to grasp the point I was making here. I flatten the mat NOT to give me a chance to make a better shot. I flatten the mat because even if there is a slight tilt in it, the ball rolls off the mat.
The cheap mats are much better at keeping the ball on when at an angle. And as some have said, they turn it upside down and put the ball in the hole to help keep it in place.
Yes, mats are to protect the course. But they are also used during the "preferred lie" period. During this period, golfers are able to improve their original lie 100% of the time. So, I still don't understand your logic on this one sadly.
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
You’re not supposed to use the mat to alter the angle of the slope. Post #335 .
Can’t be any clearer.
If you have compulsory mats find somewhere flatter.
Tbh if it’s mats it’s Mickey Mouse golf but we’re playing comps on them atm.
Swango1980
Well-known member
So, you think that potentially moving your ball 20-30 yards away from where it ended up makes less difference than slightly changing the angle of the mat to stop the ball from rolling off!? Not to mention the time taken to mess around and look for a flat lie, especially on a hilly course.
I think you are being OTT with your interpretation of using fairway mats. But if you can find an officla golfing rule to say that the mat MUST be at the same angle as the ground beneath it, please let me know. Hopefully only a few weeks to go using them, but it could still be useful to know.
Mandofred
Well-known member
Obviously you don't like mats, hence the Mickey Mouse comment. So.....if the ground is muddy as hell and grass is scarce "real golfers" should just plow ditches and rip the course to pieces?
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
I don’t think mats are in the ROG as far as I know.
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
Who said I don’t like mats.?
If used properly there fine.
Just don’t use them to alter the gradient of a slope.!
IanM
Journeyman Pro
- Joined
- May 18, 2009
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- Monmouthshire, UK via Guildford!
Stopping the ball rolling off the mat isn't cheating, it's a requirement!
Neilds
Assistant Pro
Local rule E-12
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
Are you saying “ you can use a spurk to take some of the slope off.” ? As has been suggested.Stopping the ball rolling off the mat isn't cheating, it's a requirement!
So if it’s a requirement you need to find a flat spot where it won’t roll off the mat
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
Yes thank you .
It also states that if the ball won’t stay on the mat when placed ,try again if not then move to nearest point where it will stay on the mat!
It dosnt say you can place your mat to negate any slope.
IanM
Journeyman Pro
- Joined
- May 18, 2009
- Messages
- 14,915
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- Monmouthshire, UK via Guildford!
I was saying, you can’t hit the shot if the ball has rolled off the mat!
In my bit of Wales, that nearest flat ground might be Bristol!
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
The local rule E-12 is quite specific about that !I was saying, you can’t hit the shot if the ball has rolled off the mat!
In my bit of Wales, that nearest flat ground might be Bristol!
How fars Bristol.
Tashyboy
Please don’t ask to see my tatts 👍
My view will come along in a minute re mats. But firstly. I Believe that the powers that be who set out the rules in golf should at the very very least be giving strong guidelines on what is and is not allowed when using said mats. And it should be standardised across every course. At the moment it is far to open re what is and is not acceptable. Played with a guy last week who plays at Worksop. Every member has been given a mat to use to protect the course. Not the fairways but the course. It can be used anywhere. But at our place it is fairways and closely mown areas. So why the difference. Why do I think it needs some governance. One of our fuddle uses the mat like a launch pad. He tilts the mat and uses his driver and leathers it 200 plus yards. How is that allowed. I use a Spurk mat and for me is a game changer in the winter. But it is a golf aid and is open to abuse.
PaulMdj
Well-known member
If they use them anywhere on the course then it is non-qualifying, if used as per your place then you can play qualifiers (obviously only if course meets other criterias).
It is up to your course how they allow members to use them.
As for him tilting the mat, there is a local rule that can be put in place for the mats only to be used as intended.
The powers that be have given guidance and it’s up to Clubs and us golfers to ensure they are used as per Club rules.
No local rules implemented or guidance given by the Club, then it’s open use as to how people use them.
Swango1980
Well-known member
I assume your mate doesn't use a Spurk mat? Nothing will keep the ball on it if it is tilted even slightly.
KenL
Tour Rookie
Our local rule says if the ball rolls off the mat you move to the nearest point where it stays on.
Mandofred
Well-known member
Yep, there needs to be a better rules clarification on the use of winter mats....totally agree. As per comment about non-qualifiers while using a mat.....we are doing it at one of my courses because the mats are required to be used......can't run a qualifier using a mat at another course because they are not required, and they ban mats during the comp.
The assortment of winter mats is fairly impressive.....some legal, some not so much. I see anything from bits of carpet, to Spurks, rocket launchers etc etc. Almost 10 years ago one of the guys I occasionally play with (who has a REALLY high handicap) beat the club mgr in a knockout and was using 3 different types of winter mats during a round. Mgr made a rule that you can only use one type of legal mat immediately afterwards. For a while I was experimenting with 2 different mats.....rocketlauncher for longer shots and then the cheapie mat for inside 100yds. My wedge tended to slide under the rocket launcher and pop the ball up. Winter mats are being used more and more and the "powers that be" need to put out better requirements for their use.
Each club usually has the "right" to make a lot of local condition adjustments.....including the use/not use of winter mats. I like winter mats, the ground around here is seriously yukky at this time of year......but somebody needs to lay down some serious rules on what you can do and then enforce those rules.
The assortment of winter mats is fairly impressive.....some legal, some not so much. I see anything from bits of carpet, to Spurks, rocket launchers etc etc. Almost 10 years ago one of the guys I occasionally play with (who has a REALLY high handicap) beat the club mgr in a knockout and was using 3 different types of winter mats during a round. Mgr made a rule that you can only use one type of legal mat immediately afterwards. For a while I was experimenting with 2 different mats.....rocketlauncher for longer shots and then the cheapie mat for inside 100yds. My wedge tended to slide under the rocket launcher and pop the ball up. Winter mats are being used more and more and the "powers that be" need to put out better requirements for their use.
Each club usually has the "right" to make a lot of local condition adjustments.....including the use/not use of winter mats. I like winter mats, the ground around here is seriously yukky at this time of year......but somebody needs to lay down some serious rules on what you can do and then enforce those rules.
I used a Spurk for the first time at the weekend and, I won’t lie, I hated it. I’d rather not play golf in the winter than be compelled to use one again.
