PGA Tour Rules Preferred Lies for Full Biltmore Event
By Staff Writer
2 min read
Key takeaways
- The PGA Tour ruled preferred lies would apply for all four rounds of the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville, before the first round was played.
- The Tour cited "challenging agronomic conditions" from heavy rain and high humidity at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.
- Preferred lies are typically applied day-by-day rather than announced for an entire event in advance.
- Seven Presidents Cup players are using the event as a tune-up for the U.S. team's trip to Medinah.
The PGA Tour announced preferred lies would be in effect for all four rounds of the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville, citing "challenging agronomic conditions" at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove from heavy rain and high heat in western North Carolina. Preferred lies let players move their ball in the fairway, usually to offset mud balls or poor turf.
Why is this unusual?
The Tour typically sets preferred lies on a day-by-day basis as conditions warrant. Ruling for an entire event before the first round was played is a rare step, and one that drew immediate reaction on social media questioning both the conditions and the decision itself. Thursday's opening round had already been delayed by fog.
Deciding the rule before the first tee shot signals the Tour wanted to remove any chance of a bad-lie complaint, not just respond to one.
The event carries added weight beyond its status as a new Tour stop. Seven Presidents Cup players are using it as a tune-up before Team USA's trip to Medinah, and it's a key stop in the FedExCup Fall, where players are chasing top-100 status and a Tour card for next season. The Tour has said this year's winners will also receive exemptions carrying into the new Championship Series launching in 2028.
Frequently asked questions
What are preferred lies in golf?
A local rule letting players lift, clean and place their ball within a set distance in the fairway, usually to offset poor turf or mud balls.
Why did the PGA Tour apply preferred lies at Biltmore?
It cited agronomic damage at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove from heavy rain and high heat during tournament setup.
- biltmore championship
- preferred lies
- pga tour rules
- the cliffs at walnut cove
- presidents cup
- fedexcup fall
