Golf Putting Rules – Top 3 Rules On The Putting Green
In addition to the general rules of golf there are also some specific golf putting rules which must be adhered to when on the putting green. This article highlights what I believe to be the 3 most important rules of golf on the putting green to be aware of.
Top 3 Golf Putting Rules:
1) Lifting the Ball – unlike any other area on the golf course, when you are on the putting green you are entitled to pick your ball up and clean it if you wish, as long as the position of the ball is marked with either a coin or ball marker and replaced in the same spot.
It is important to know that if you accidentally move your ball when marking or replacing it, there is no penalty incurred, you simply have to return the ball to its original spot.
2) Line of Putt – this is the intended line that the player wishes his ball to travel along once he has made the putting stroke and includes a reasonable distance either side of this intended line, but does not extend beyond the hole.
This line of putt cannot be touched unless you are either removing any loose impediments, marking or replacing your ball, repairing old plug holes or ball marks on the putting surface or addressing the ball with your putter. Pressing spike marks down or any other scuffs to improve the surface condition will result in a penalty shot.
3) Testing the Surface – whilst you are playing the hole you are not allowed to test the surface of the putting green by rolling the ball, scraping or roughening up the surface or any other form of testing. Once the hole has been completed you are allowed to have a few practice putts on that putting green, unless the committee has stated otherwise.