Rule 13: Putting Greens

A ball is on the putting green when any part of it touches the green, or it lies on something inside its edge.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1a · recall

A ball lying on or in anything, such as a loose impediment, inside the edge of the green is on the green.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1a · applied

The fringe is not part of the putting green; a ball touching only fringe grass is in the general area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1a; Definition of Putting Green · applied

A ball on the putting green may be lifted and cleaned, but its spot must be marked first and it must be replaced there.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1b · applied

Sand and loose soil on the putting green may be removed without penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(1) · applied

Removing sand and loose soil on the green is allowed whether the ball is on or off the putting green.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c · applied

The improvements allowed on the putting green apply during a round and while play is stopped.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c · recall

Mark first, then lift and clean, and the ball goes back on the same spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1b; Rule 14.1 · applied

Clearing the line by hand is fine, and the player then putts as normal.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(1) · applied

B sits on the collar, short of the green's edge. A touches the edge, C lies on a leaf inside it and D is on the green.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1a · applied

Shoe damage is repairable. Aeration holes, mowing grooves and natural imperfections are not damage under the Rule.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · recall

Repairing damage on the putting green is allowed no matter whether the ball is on or off it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c · applied

Old hole plugs, turf plugs and seams of cut turf are listed as damage that may be repaired.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · applied

Going beyond restoring the green, such as creating a pathway to the hole, improves the conditions.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2); Rule 8.1a · applied

Conditions caused by rain or other natural forces are not damage under the Rule.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · applied

Embedded objects such as a stone, acorn, hail or tee, and the dents they leave, are damage.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · applied

Repairs are made with a hand, foot or other part of the body, or a normal repair tool, tee, club or similar equipment.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · recall

A ball mark is fixed with normal equipment, restoring the surface without unreasonable delay.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · applied

Shoe damage can be repaired; there is no penalty for doing so.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · applied

Aeration holes (C) come from normal maintenance and may not be repaired. A ball mark (A), spike marks (B) and an embedded acorn (D) may.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1c(2) · applied

Accidentally moving one's ball on the putting green is never penalised; the ball goes back on its spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(1) · applied

A marker knocked by accident costs nobody anything; its first position is put back.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(1) · applied

A ball not already lifted and replaced is played from where the wind left it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(2) · applied

Once lifted and replaced on the green, the ball goes back on its spot even if natural forces moved it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(2) · applied

This is the exception: movement that begins during the backswing, with the stroke made, is played out.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(1), Exception; Rule 9.1b · applied

The player, the opponent, or another player in stroke play may accidentally move it without penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(1) · recall

Rule 13.1d(1) covers both the ball and the ball-marker.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(1) · recall

Accidental movement on the green is free for everyone, and the ball is replaced.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(1) · applied

Without a previous lift and replace, natural forces simply leave the ball in its new position.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d(2) · applied

B was moved by the wind and had never been lifted. A (putter), C (wind after lifting and replacing) and D (opponent's foot) are all replaced.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1d · applied

Deliberately rubbing the surface to test the putting green is a breach.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e · applied

Rolling a ball to test the green during the round is a breach, whichever ball is used.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e · applied

Between two holes, testing on the green just completed is allowed, unless the Committee has a Local Rule against it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e, Exception; Model Local Rule I-2 · applied

Only rubbing the surface or rolling a ball counts as testing.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e · applied

The ban on testing applies during the round and while play is stopped.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e · applied

Testing a wrong green is banned in the same way as testing the putting green.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e · applied

The two banned actions are rubbing the surface and rolling a ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e · recall

Testing the green of the hole just completed is allowed between holes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e, Exception · applied

The test is a breach whether or not it helps.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e · applied

A rubs the surface during the hole. B rolls balls on the green just completed, C only looks, and D brushes sand off the line.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1e · applied

Any green on the course other than the one for the hole being played is a wrong green, including practice greens.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Wrong Green · recall

When a wrong green interferes, the ball must not be played as it lies; free relief must be taken.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(2) · applied

Interference also exists when the wrong green interferes with the area of intended stance or swing.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(1) · applied

The reference point is the nearest point of complete relief in the same area of the course.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(2) · recall

Relief from a wrong green is free.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(2) · recall

There is no relief if the interference exists only because of a clearly unreasonable club, stance, swing or direction.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(3) · applied

The relief area must be in the same area of the course, not nearer the hole, and free of all interference.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(2) · applied

Free relief is taken from the nearest point of complete relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(2) · applied

Either the ball on the wrong green or the stance or swing on it means relief is required.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(1) · recall

B is the nearest point where neither the ball nor the stance is on the wrong green. At A the stance would still be on it, C is on the far side and D is the ball itself.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.1f(2) · applied

Rule 13.2 applies to a ball played from anywhere, on or off the putting green, so the flagstick may stay in.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(1) · recall

There is no penalty for hitting a flagstick left in the hole, and the ball is played as it lies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(2) · applied

Deliberately moving the flagstick away from centred to gain an advantage brings the general penalty if the ball hits it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(1) · applied

The player may leave the flagstick as it is or move it so it is centred, and leave it there.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(1) · applied

The decision on the flagstick is made before the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(1); Rule 13.2b(1) · recall

Having a removed flagstick put back in the hole is one way to choose to play with it in.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(1) · applied

Hitting the flagstick in the hole is free whether the stroke came from on or off the green.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(2) · applied

A centred flagstick left in costs nothing if the ball hits it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a · applied

The choice has to be made before the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(1) · recall

B has been tilted on purpose towards the player. A is centred in the hole, C has been removed and D is attended.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(1) · applied

The player and caddie must not deliberately move the flagstick to affect where the ball comes to rest.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(3) · applied

Moving it for another reason, such as reasonably believing the ball will not reach it, is not penalised.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(3) · applied

When the player has left the flagstick in, another player who moves it to affect the ball gets the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(4) · applied

There is no penalty if the other player is not aware that the player is about to play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(4) · applied

The breach lies in the purpose: taking it out so that the rolling ball ends up somewhere else.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(3) · recall

Another player who deliberately moves the flagstick to affect where the ball will finish, before a stroke the player then makes without knowing of it, gets the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(4) · applied

Removing the flagstick from the hole, including by attending it, while a ball moves is covered by Rule 13.2.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 11.3; Rule 13.2 · recall

The caddie's act counts as the player's, so the player is penalised.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(3) · applied

A reason other than affecting the ball means no penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(3) · applied

In A the caddie pulls the flagstick out as the putt rolls at it. B hit a flagstick left in, C removed it before the stroke and D's ball had already stopped.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2a(3) · applied

Attending means holding the flagstick in, above or next to the hole, then removing it during or after the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(1) · recall

A caddie standing right next to the hole when the stroke is made is treated as attending, even unknown to the player.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(1) · applied

Putting without asking that person to move away or leave the flagstick in counts as authorising them to attend.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(1) · applied

The player may ask any other person to attend the flagstick.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(1) · applied

An accidental hit on the person attending, or the flagstick, is free and the ball is played as it lies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(2) · applied

Deliberately failing to remove an attended flagstick counts as deliberately stopping the ball under Rule 11.2.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(2); Rule 11.2c(2) · applied

Accidentally hitting a removed flagstick brings no penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(2) · applied

Attending is holding the flagstick to show the hole and taking it out once the stroke is under way.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(1) · applied

Being close enough to reach the flagstick at the moment of the putt is what makes it attended.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(1) · applied

In A the caddie stands right next to the hole. In B nobody is near, in C the flagstick is out, and in D the caddie is well away.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(1) · applied

If any part of the ball is in the hole below the surface, it is treated as holed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2c · applied

Sitting wholly above the lip, the ball is still in play, so the player must putt it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2c · applied

If the ball moves when the flagstick is removed, there is no penalty and it is replaced on the lip.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2c · applied

Whether it falls in or moves away, a ball that was not holed is replaced on the lip of the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2c · applied

Failing to hole out as required in stroke play means disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2c; Rule 3.3c · recall

A removed flagstick deliberately placed to stop the ball counts as deliberately stopping it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2b(2); Rule 11.2 · applied

The flagstick includes the flag and any other material or objects attached to the pole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Flagstick · recall

Part of the ball below the surface is enough.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2c · applied

A ball not holed that moves when the flagstick comes out goes back on the lip.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2c · applied

B sits entirely above the surface. A has part of the ball below the surface, and C and D are wholly in the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.2c · applied

The player gets a reasonable time to reach the hole and ten more seconds to wait.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3a · recall

A ball falling in within the waiting time is holed with the previous stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3a · applied

After the waiting time the ball counts as at rest; if it then falls in, one penalty stroke is added.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3a · applied

A ball lifted before the time ends is treated as at rest, replaced on the lip, and the waiting time no longer applies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3b · applied

In match play the player's ball is treated as holed, with no penalty to the opponent.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3b · applied

In stroke play the player who lifted it gets two penalty strokes and the ball goes back on the lip.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3b · applied

Once the waiting time is over without the ball falling, it is treated as at rest.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3a · recall

Dropping inside those ten seconds means the putt already counted as the holing stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3a · applied

Holed with the previous stroke, but with a penalty stroke because the time had run out.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3a · applied

Only B dropped after the ten-second wait, so one stroke is added. A, C and D fell in within ten seconds.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 13.3a · applied