Ask Linda #18-repair hole damage

Dear Linda,

I have a question about repairing the green:

4 golfers are playing a match with A and B playing against C and D. They are all on the green.

A is 40 feet away and is the first player to putt. She sinks a 40 footer for birdie and while removing her ball discovers that the area around the cup has somehow been damaged, although the damage is not a ball mark. Can she make the necessary repairs before B attempts an eagle putt that just happens to pass through the damaged area?

Lulu


Dear Lulu,

Since the damage has not been caused by a ball mark, neither A nor B may repair the damage. Either player would incur a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play for a breach of Rule 16-1. Prior to putting, players may only repair an old hole plug or damage to the green caused by the impact of a ball. Any other repairs they might wish to make must be done after everyone has finished putting.

Linda

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