Preferred Lies

[natgolfer]

Because the condition of our local courses varies so much, we either:
(1) play the ball down-which is ideal,
(2) move it "x" inches with the clubhead,
(3) mark, lift, maybe clean and place the ball within "x" of the original lie.

If either of the latter two options is chosen, there may be advantages or disadvantages to each.

(2) Move with clubhead:
(a) may be time consuming, thereby slowing up play. I would fiddle with the ball until I got the lie that I wanted.
(b) in doing (a), I could, if so inclined, press down the grass with my clubhead, improving the clubhead path to the ball, as well.
(c) because the original lie has not been marked, it allows cheaters to move the ball more than the allowed "x" inches to get a better lie.
(d) if there is mud on the ball, the golfer could continuously roll the ball over until the mud was removed, another time wasting activity.

(3) Mark, Lift,(Clean) and Place.
(a) because the original lie is marked, it would be easier to ensure that the ball was moved within the "x" inch limit.
(b) it would take only a second or two to place the ball where I wanted, speeding up play.
(c) once the tee is picked up, the ball is "in play" preventing the golfer from changing his mind about the lie and moving the ball again, as could happen with "Move with clubhead."

If "Preferred Lies" is put into effect, which of (2) or (3) is recommended?

Are there other advantages or disadvantages of each?

[Gary Hill]

"Move with a clubhead" and "Mark, Lift, Clean, and Place" are, of themselves, meaningless.

Both options should incorporate stipulations requiring the ball to be moved only once, in play after movement, moved only a certain distance, etc.

BTW - Pressing down grass or removing mud from the ball is still a penalty when playing preferred lies.

FYI - The ball is not in play "once the tee has been picked up".
The ball is in play when the ball has been placed, whether or not the marker has been picked up.