As we (in the northern hemisphere) move into the colder months and courses can’t be maintained in peak summer conditions “Winter Rules” are often brought into play on the 1st of October. Probably the most common of these is a preferred lie rule which should be based on the model local rule E-3. This is not a “Rule of Golf” but will be an almost ubiquitous local rule – please do check exactly how your club has put this into play before using it.
The text of MLR-E3 is below.
Note that:
– you can only place in the general area (so can move into the rough, but not onto a green)
– you may only place the ball once, so you can’t try different spots
– if the ball does not stay where you place it, you must try again
Golf Rules Guru 
When preferred lies apply in the general area, is there anything to stop player placing ball to rest on vegetation eg in a convenient intersection of briar shoots rather than on the ground underneath?
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If the convenient intersection is within the specified relief area then no – you may place the ball there. Do note however that preferred lies are normally restricted to the “the general area cut to fairway height or less”. In plainer language – on the fairway but not in the rough!
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Preferred lies on fairway. Do you have to mark your ball before taking the 6 inch relief?
Or can you just pick up your ball and move it 6 inch – which if not marked might be slightly in front and closer to the hole.?
And under these circumstances are you allowed to clean your ball ?
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While there is no requirement to mark your ball under the model local rule, but it is good practice to do so. In particular, if you lift your ball and then perhaps clean it on your bag towel (you are allowed to clean your ball under the model local rule) if you haven’t marked the position how will you know you are placing it in the right place?
The rule does not allow you to place your ball nearer the hole.
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If you are taking “back of line” penalty relief [after hitting into a penalty area] when ‘preferred lies’ is in effect, do you have to drop your ball in the relief area or can it be placed?
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You must always follow the correct procedure and drop the ball. Having dropped it you may then prefer the lie if allowed.
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You must drop it first, and then you can take a preferred lie if it is in a position where the local rule allows it.
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Please update E-3 of 2023 which mention on purpose of applying Rule 14.2e
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for the purposes of applying Rule 14.2e, the player has only chosen the spot on which to place the ball once the ball has been set down, and the player has let the ball go with the intent for that ball to be in play.
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What is the penalty for preferring lie outside ie 1 card length, or designated area
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You will have played from the wrong place so would get the General Penalty (Loss of Hole or 2 strokes).
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