Clean lift and place" is a golf term that refers to the action of picking up your ball from the ground, cleaning it, and then placing it back down on the course in a designated area, typically used when playing in wet conditions where the ball might be lying in an unplayable lie due to mud or heavy grass, and is usually implemented through a local rule called "preferred lies.".

Key points about "clean lift and place":
Marking the spot: Before lifting your ball, you must first mark its exact position with a tee or ball marker to ensure you replace it in the same spot.
Cleaning the ball: Once lifted, you are allowed to clean the mud or debris off your ball.
Placement area: Depending on the local rule, you can place the ball within a specific distance of where it was originally lying, usually a few inches. BGC RULE = within 6” of marked position.

When is "clean lift and place" typically used?
Winter golf: When courses are wet and muddy during the winter months.
Heavy rain: If a course receives significant rainfall, causing poor lies for the ball.

Local rule implementation: A golf course committee can choose to implement "preferred lies" (which includes "lift, clean, and place") through a local rule depending on the conditions.