The putting green has its own set of rules, and they have become more golfer-friendly in recent years. You can now repair almost any damage on the green, leave the flagstick in, and move on without penalty if your ball moves accidentally. But there are still a few rules that catch golfers out, especially in competitions. Here is what you need to know.
This is a summary of the main rules. For full details, see the official Rules of Golf.
What counts as the putting green?
The putting green is the specially prepared area of short grass around the hole you are playing. The fringe or collar around it is not part of the green; it is in the general area. Read parts of a golf course explained.
Marking, lifting and cleaning
- Mark your ball with a ball-marker, coin or tee directly behind or beside it before lifting.
- Lift and clean the ball.
- Replace it on its original spot, then remove the marker.
- Failing to mark before lifting costs a one-stroke penalty.
- If you need to move your marker out of another player's line, measure a putter-head length to the side using a fixed point, and remember to move it back before you putt. Putting from the wrong place is a two-stroke penalty in stroke play.
Repairing damage
You may repair damage on the green without penalty, including:
- Pitch marks (ball marks)
- Spike marks and shoe damage
- Old hole plugs
- Scrapes and indentations made by equipment or the flagstick
- Animal tracks and hoof prints
- Embedded objects such as stones or acorns
You may not repair natural imperfections, such as aeration holes, natural surface imperfections or normal wear of the hole. Repairs must be reasonable and not used to test the surface or create a path.
Repair pitch marks by pushing the edges in towards the centre with a pitch-mark repairer, then tapping the surface flat with your putter. Read golf course maintenance explained.
Touching your line
You may touch your line of play on the green, for example when removing loose impediments, repairing damage or grounding your putter in front of the ball, as long as you don't improve the conditions affecting your stroke in other ways.
The flagstick
- You may putt with the flagstick in the hole, removed, or attended.
- No penalty if your ball hits the flagstick when it is left in.
- Decide before your stroke. If the flagstick is attended or removed, nobody should deliberately move it to affect the ball's movement.
- A ball resting against the flagstick counts as holed if any part of it is below the surface of the green.
When the ball moves
- Accidentally moving your ball or marker on the green (for example with your putter or foot) is no penalty. Replace the ball.
- If wind or gravity moves your ball after it has been lifted and replaced, replace it on its original spot.
- If wind or gravity moves your ball before you have lifted it, play it from its new position.
Read how to play golf in the wind.
Ball overhanging the hole
If your ball overhangs the edge of the hole, you have a reasonable time to reach the hole plus ten seconds to see if it falls in. If it drops after that, you are considered to have holed out with your previous stroke, plus one penalty stroke.
Hitting another ball
- In stroke play, if your ball played from the green hits another ball at rest on the green, you get a two-stroke penalty. Play your ball from where it comes to rest; replace the other ball.
- In match play, there is no penalty.
Ask others to mark their balls if they might be in the way.
Caddies and partners
Your caddie or partner may help you read the green, but must not stand on or close to an extension of your line of play behind the ball when you take your stance. They also may not touch the green to show you the line in a way that improves conditions.
Testing the surface
You may not deliberately test the green by rolling a ball or scraping the surface during play of a hole. Between holes, you may test the practice green or the green you just played, unless the committee prohibits it.
Etiquette on the green
- Don't walk on others' lines.
- Stand still and quiet while others putt, out of their line of sight.
- Don't cast a shadow across someone's line.
- Repair your pitch mark, and one more.
- Don't lean on your putter or drag your feet.
- Leave the green promptly and mark scores on the next tee. Read pace of play.
Read golf etiquette 101.
Frequently asked questions
Can I repair spike marks on the green?
Yes. Under the current rules, you may repair spike marks and most other damage on the green.
Is there a penalty for hitting the flagstick?
No. You may leave the flagstick in when putting, and there is no penalty if the ball hits it.
What happens if I accidentally move my ball on the green?
No penalty. Replace it on its original spot.
What is the penalty for hitting another ball on the green?
In stroke play, two strokes if both balls were on the green before your stroke. No penalty in match play.
The bottom line
The putting green rules are now more straightforward: mark before lifting, repair any damage, leave the flagstick in if you like, replace the ball if it moves accidentally, and ask others to mark balls that might be in the way in stroke play. Combine the rules with good green etiquette, and everyone will enjoy the game. For more rules, read golf free relief rules.