About Skip Ward Expertise Former PGA PROFESSIONAL: Golf related questions regarding Rules, Etiquette,
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Question A friend of mine says you can not repair a ball mark on the putting surface (new or old) if it is in your line of play, this would be testing the putting surface. I think he is wrong. Do you know what the ruling on this is?
Jeff
Answer Dear Jeff, thanks for the question. In thinking that your friend is wrong...You are Right. Under USGA Rule 16-1/a & c, a player can fix a ball mark in his line. However, in light defense of your friend, he is probably thinking of any other damage within your line. According to the same rule, ONLY ball marks, and recent holes can be repaired to your liking on your line, therefore anything else, such as spike marks or perhaps a mark left from a falling branch, CANNOT be repaired. I've copied the rule for you below. Your instincts were correct. Perhaps a wager is in order. Good luck and remember...
Love the game,
skipper
Rule 16-1
a. Touching Line of Putt
The line of putt must NOT be touched except:
(i) the player may remove loose impediments, provided he does not press anything down;
(ii) the player may place the club in front of the ball when addressing it, provided he does not press anything down;
(iii) in measuring — Rule 18-6;
(iv) in lifting the ball — Rule 16-1b;
(v) in pressing down a ball-marker;
(vi) in repairing old hole plugs or ball marks on the putting green — Rule 16-1c; and
(vii) in removing movable obstructions — Rule 24-1. (Indicating line for putting on putting green — see Rule 8-2b.)
b. Lifting and Cleaning Ball. A ball on the putting green may be lifted and, if desired, cleaned. The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted and the ball must be replaced
c. Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage.
The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player’s ball lies on the putting green.
