Rule #13 – Putting Greens

Know the rules with M&M – Rule #13: Putting Greens

This week, we focus on the third of five defined areas of the golf course – Rule #13: Putting Greens.

In 2019 several rules changed to the benefit of the player while playing from the putting green. Before realizing said benefit however, the player must know when their ball is or is not on the putting green?

A ball is considered on the putting green when any part of the ball:

• Touches the putting green, or
• Lies on or in anything (such as a loose impediment or an obstruction) and is inside the edge of the putting green

Once on the putting green of the hole being played, the player may mark, lift and clean the ball before returning it to its original position now identified by an appropriate marker.

If the player substitutes another/different ball (maybe a “Favourite Putting Ball”) other then when the ball in play is damaged, for the ball in play and after marking its spot on the green, the player is considered to have incorrectly substituted the ball. If not corrected before playing the next stroke the player incurs the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play).

Ball moved on the green
Once a ball’s spot or position on the green has been marked, the players next stroke must be from that location. This is true even if, after replacing it, the ball is accidentally moved by a player, caddie or by natural forces (Wind/Water/Rain).

If the player has NOT marked the ball’s position on the green and it is subsequently moved , the cause of such movement must be determined. If accidentally moved by the player, an opponent a caddie or outside agency, the ball must be returned to and played from it’s original position. If moved by natural forces (Wind/Water/Rain) the ball must then be played from its new position.

By example, if during heavy wind, a ball at rest on the green and yet to be marked is caused to move by such wind, toward and into the hole, it is deemed to have been holed with your previous stroke. True regardless of from where the previous stroke was taken. This also applies however, if under these circumstances the ball is caused to move (by natural forces) and rolls farther, even much farther, from the hole. Perhaps a good idea to mark the ball at the first opportunity to ensure your odds do not deteriorate with a gust of wind

Touching the line of play on the green
There is no longer a penalty for simply touching the line of play on the putting green. That is, as long as you do nothing to improve it. Merely touching the line of play offers no advantage. In fact, it might be argued that brushing leaves from one’s line with a putter may potentially have a much greater impact.

Repairing damage on the green
Prior to 2019 there were limitations to what putting green damage could be repaired by players and/or caddies. Only pitch marks and old hole plugs could be addressed. Now and since the 2019 revisions, a much broader range of damage can be repaired. This includes shoe damage (spike marks), animal damage and indentations made by a club or flagstick. Manipulating the green in any way that would not be considered a repair remains prohibited . For instance, building a trench from your ball to the hole is still illegal and frowned upon by your Greystone Turf staff.

Finally
If a ball, not marked, is lifted from the green, regardless if intentionally or by accident, a one stroke penalty is incurred and the ball must be returned as close as can be determined to its original position prior to being lifted.

As always, we hope you have a great week and wish you all straight drives and one pubs.

Next week, we will review another defined area of the course – The Penalty Area

Until then,

Mario Paradis & Michael Alderman