Hi Linda,
Is a player entitled to repair his own pitch mark that is on
the green (on the line of play) when his ball lies off the green (on the
fringe)?
Rule 16-1c states “Yes,” but Decision 13-2/8 seems to
contradict that (although it doesn’t refer to the player’s own ball):
Rule 16 - 1c. Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other
Damage
The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting caused by
the impact of a ball, whether or not the player’s ball lies on the putting
green.
Decision 13-2/8: Player's
Lie or Line of Play Affected by Pitch-Mark Made by Partner's, Opponent's or
Fellow-Competitor's Ball
Question. A player's lie or line of play through the
green is affected by a pitch-mark made by his partner's, his opponent's or a
fellow-competitor's ball. Is the player entitled to relief?
Answer. If the pitch-mark was there before the
player's ball came to rest, he is not entitled to relief without penalty. If
the pitch-mark was created after the player's ball came to rest, in equity
(Rule 1-4), he may repair the pitch-mark. A player is entitled to the lie
which his stroke gave him.
PS – love the website
Regards,
Lou from England, UK
Dear Lou,
Rule 16-1c tells us that a player may always repair a pitch-mark (yours or anyone
else’s) on the green, regardless of where his ball lies.
Decision 13-2/8 talks
about repairing a pitch-mark through
(not on) the green. “Through the green” does not mean “on the green.” “Through the green”
refers to the whole area of the course except
the teeing ground and putting green of the hole you are playing, plus all
hazards on the course [Definition of “Through the Green”]. Thus, the putting
green is exempted from 13-2/8.
Decision 13-2/8 only
allows you to repair a pitch-mark that is made after your ball comes to rest somewhere through the green; it
prohibits you from repairing a pitch-mark that was there before your ball got
there. So if your ball is lying in the fairway or rough, and another player’s
ball subsequently leaves a mark in front of your ball, you may repair it. If
the mark was there before your ball arrived, you may not repair it.
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
