fbpx
six putting green rules you have to know

Six putting green rules you have to know

Found the dance floor? Hannah Holden explains the Rules of Golf you need to be aware of before you reach for your flatstick

 

Here are six putting green rules that can save your scorecard.

rules of golf putting green

We would recommend you watch the video for the best explanation of golf’s putting green rules, but if you would prefer to read the article, just keep on scrolling…

What are the six putting green rules you should all know?

Brian Harman putter

Rules of golf putting green: When is the ball on the putting green?

According to Rule 13.1a your ball is classed as being on the putting green when any part of the golf ball is on the putting surface. This means even if the majority of your golf ball is off the green it is still treated as being on the putting surface.

Even if your ball lies on a loose impediment or obstruction such as a leaf, so it isn’t actually touching the putting surface, it’s classed as being on the green, as long as part of the ball is inside the edge of the putting green.

Rules of golf putting green: What can you use to mark your golf ball?

Once your ball is on the green you are entitled to mark it, so you can lift, clean and then replace it. This is very helpful if your ball picks up dirt or if you want to line up your golf ball.

You must mark your ball before lifting, or you would receive a one-shot penalty stroke, but you don’t need a dedicated ball marker to do this.

Rules of golf putting green

You can use anything artificial to mark your ball such as a tee peg, a coin or another small piece of equipment. You can even use your putter head if you don’t have anything else to hand.

Rules of golf putting green: What improvements are allowed on the green?

The green is one of the only places on the course you can make improvements or repair damage to the surface before you hit your golf shot.

You can repair spike marks, pitch marks, indentations and old hole plugs. Interestingly you can repair pitch marks whether they are yours or someone else’s.

This can save you shots if any of the damage touches the line of your putt as you can repair the surface and make your next shot that little bit easier.

Rules of golf putting green: Can you move loose impediments when your ball is on the fringe?

When you are on the putting green you can remove loose impediments such as leaves or twigs. You can also move loose soil and sand using your hands or even your club head.

However, if your ball and the loose sand are off the green you can’t remove this. You simply have to putt over it or play around it.

The only exception to this rule is if an outside influence adds sand to your lie after the ball has come to rest. For example, if your playing partner hit a bunker shot which proceeded to add sand to your lie.

Rules of golf putting green: Can you repair a pitch mark when you are not on the green?

Your ball also doesn’t have to be on the green in order for you to repair a pitch mark or spike mark. You can make improvements to the putting green no matter whether the ball is on or off the putting green.

What happens when a ball marker moves?

What happens if your ball or ball marker accidentally gets moved on the green? As long as the movement is accidental there is no penalty and the ball or ball-marker must be replaced on the original spot.

Now have your say

What do you think of these putting green rules? Have you learned anything new? Let us know by leaving a comment on X.


Latest Posts

2023 Rules of Golf changes replacing golf ball on spot

Rules of Golf

England Golf extend period for preferred lies

Read full article - England Golf extend period for preferred lies
rules beginner

Rules of Golf

What are the key rules beginner golfers should know?

Read full article - What are the key rules beginner golfers should know?
Want to play the same game as the pros? That means playing the same Rules!

Rules of Golf

Want to play the same game as the pros? That means playing the same Rules!

Read full article - Want to play the same game as the pros? That means playing the same Rules!
gary woodland

Rules of Golf

Can you look into a player’s bag to see what club they’re using?

Read full article - Can you look into a player’s bag to see what club they’re using?
winter rules

Rules of Golf

5 Winter Rules Golfers Break!

Read full article - 5 Winter Rules Golfers Break!
golf divot

Rules of Golf

My ball has landed on a divot – can I move it?

Read full article - My ball has landed on a divot – can I move it?
animal scrapings

Rules of Golf

Do I get free relief from animal scrapings?

Read full article - Do I get free relief from animal scrapings?
rule changes

Rules of Golf

5 Rule Changes You Need To Know!

Read full article - 5 Rule Changes You Need To Know!
Golf club committee

Rules of Golf

The prizes were handed out but the committee got my score wrong – should the results be changed?

Read full article - The prizes were handed out but the committee got my score wrong – should the results be changed?