Hi Linda,
Thanks for all your wonderful insights!
This question came up recently when a player had to move a ball out of another player's line of putt and then move it back. I have been trying to research it.
You answered a similar question in #1622, but that was in 2017 and I think (but am not sure) this has changed. You refer to rule 20.1, which in the 2019 rules seems to be covered by 14.1.
According to 20.1, one would have to first mark the ball, then hold the putter next to it, and move the marker. In replacing one you have to hold the putter next to the marker, move it and then replace the ball in front of it.
On the other hand 14.1 says you can mark the ball with "a club."
So when first moving the ball, can you now put the putter next to the ball and move it and then mark it?
And when moving it back can you just put the putter next to the marker and put the ball down without first replacing the marker?
I seem to remember reading they were making this change to speed things up but I can't find where I saw that.
Your answer would be appreciated!!
Best regards
Northport, New York, and New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Dear Lulu,
Nothing has changed about how to mark and move your ball out of another player’s line of play on the putting green. What you need to remember is that the ball must end up where it started. Whatever steps you take to move the ball, you should reverse that process when you replace it.
For the sake of brevity, let’s assume that you have been asked to move your ball one putter-head length. You may…
1. Mark and lift the ball. Measure one putter-head length to the side of your marker. Place your marker at the other end of the putter head. When you replace your ball, you will measure one putter-head length back, place your marker at the end of the putter head, and replace your ball in front of the marker.
2. Place your putter head next to the ball (which you have not marked and lifted). Place your marker at the end of the putter head. When you replace your ball, you will measure one putter-head length back and place your ball at the end of the putter head.
When Rule 14.1a talks about marking your ball with a club, it means you may hold your club next to the ball to lift it and perhaps clean it or readjust the alignment before you immediately replace it.
The method you describe is not correct, as the ball would not be replaced on the same spot from which it was lifted.
Linda
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