Cleaning Your Golf Ball on the Putting Green
Cleaning Your Golf Ball on the Putting Green
Continue readingAccidental Double Hit
Accidental Double Hit is No Longer a Penalty!
One of the changes that I’m really happy about is Rule 10.1 – an accidental double hit is no longer a penalty!
If you accidentally double hit your ball (which can happen sometimes when when you’re in a rough or when you’re in a bunker) there is no longer a penalty. And it can happen anywhere on the course. Just play it as it lies and go on with your round! Pretty cool, huh?
The Nitty Gritty:
If the player’s club accidentally hits the ball more than once, there has been only one stroke and there is no penalty.
Check out USGA’s site for exceptions and further details, but we can breathe a sigh of relief here.
Repairing Spike Marks On Putting Green 2019 Golf Rules
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Golf Rules, Etiquette & Style (@girlfriendsguidetogolf) on
Repairing Spike Marks On Putting Green in 2019
In 2019 you’ll be happy to know that you’ll be able to repair spike marks on the green before you putt.
Rule 13 states you’ll be able to repair any damage to the green, which would include pitch marks, spike marks, damage from the flagstick being dragged on the green, and any other damage.
However, you will not be able to repair greens that have been aerated/punched, vertical mowing, or regular wear and tear.
The Nitty Gritty:
Rule 13.C2 (USGA)
Repair of Damage. A player may repair damage on the putting green without penalty by taking reasonable actions to restore the putting green as nearly as possible to its original condition, but only:
- By using his or her hand, foot or other part of the body or a normal ball-mark repair tool, tee, club or similar item of normal equipment, and
- Without unreasonably delaying play (see Rule 5.6a).
But if the player improves the putting green by taking actions that exceed what is reasonable to restore the putting green to its original condition (such as by creating a pathway to the hole or by using an object that is not allowed), the player gets the general penalty for breach of Rule 8.1a.
“Damage on the putting green ” means any damage caused by a person or outside influence, such as:
- Ball marks, shoe damage (such as spike marks) and scrapes or indentations caused by equipment or a flagstick,
- Old hole plugs, turf plugs, seams of cut turf and scrapes or indentations from maintenance tools or vehicles,
- Animal tracks or hoof indentations, and
- Embedded objects (such as a stone, acorn or tee).
But “damage on the putting green” does not include any damage or conditions that result from:
- Normal practices for maintaining the overall condition of the putting green (such as aeration holes and grooves from vertical mowing),
- Irrigation or rain or other natural forces,
- Natural surface imperfections (such as weeds or areas of bare, diseased or uneven growth), or
- Natural wear of the hole.
Check out USGA’s site for exceptions and further details, but we can breathe a sigh of relief here.
Check out How to Mark Your Ball on the Green.