Want to watch the golf world go up in flames? Come with us. So, as we all know, “preferred lies” is a local rule that lets players lift, clean, and replace their ball in certain areas. This rule is usually used when course conditions are rough, like during winter or when the fairways are in tough shape. When preferred lies is in effect, players can improve their ball’s lie in closely mown areas like fairways and green aprons.

And the word is, it indeed is in effect at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson. Yes, you read that right. Per the latest tweet by PGA Golf Communications on X, “Preferred lies will be in effect for round one of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.” So, get ready to see players mark the ball’s original spot, lift and clean it, and then place it within a specified distance – often 6 inches – of the original spot, ensuring it’s not closer to the holes as this rule will help the golfers avoid tricky lies and keeps the game flowing smoothly, even when conditions aren’t ideal.

Well, the CJ CUP Byron Nelson allowing ‘preferred lies’ in the game really comes off as a surprise considering the unpredictable nature of weather patterns these days. As of February 2025, golf had adapted its rules to reflect unpredictable weather patterns. In the UK, “winter rules” had been replaced by more flexible guidelines, allowing clubs to use Model Local Rule E-3, or Preferred Lies, all year round.  “Exception MLR E-3 Preferred Lies no longer has a defined period for use, and a club may, if conditions require it, utilize this Model Local Rule throughout the year,” England Golf had announced earlier this year.

But this is the second time prefferred lies are being used in the 2025 season, as they were also in play at the 2025 Houston Open after the tournament implemented this rule due to the wet and windy conditions.

And as one would assume, netizens aren’t a fan of this update as they weren’t back then.

Golf fans are mad at the PGA Tour

Starting off strong with what one fan said, “I am asking you to please stop”, while the other took a jibe at the Tour as they wrote, “Becoming a normal occurrence on Thursdays!”  Well, it’s true that ‘preferred lies’ are mostly used in the first round because of expediency and fairness issues, particularly to speed up play and allow for play when conditions would otherwise be halted. However, back in 2016, the PGA Championship decided to change that due to the extremely wet conditions at Baltusrol Golf Club.

The PGA of America implemented “lift, clean, and place” in closely mown areas during the fourth round, allowing players to mark their ball, lift and clean it, and then place it within one club length of its original spot. This unusual step was taken because the course was saturated, making it difficult for players to find dry spots and take relief under the standard Rules of Golf.

One fan wrote, “As always, just tell us when you play it down”, while the other predicted what the next update might be: “Next post will be that round 1 has been postponed due to darkness.” Well, honestly, it has been a recurring thing at the PGA Tour now, and last was seen in The Players Championship. The first round was suspended due to darkness at 7:34 p.m., with some players given the option to finish the hole they were on. Kris Ventura, who was on the 9th hole, chose to play it out, making a bogey and finishing with a 77. Five players will resume their rounds at 8:50 a.m., while the second round kicks off as scheduled at 7:40 a.m.

One fan didn’t say much but still said it all as they wrote, “LOL”. But what are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!