I guess the reason the rule is there is to stop people taking weeks to decide what is and isn't a spike mark. You can tell if a blemish or slight depression in the green is the result of a pitchmark and you can repair that but anything else - NO...it would take forever. You'd have to get the Referee involved practically on every green.
Full Answer
Can you tap down a spike mark in Golf?
Under the updated Rules of Golf, he's now allowed to. Scenario: There is an imperfection, such as a spike mark, in your line on the putting green. Old rule: The previous rule stated you could only repair only ball marks and hole plugs. Tapping down spike marks, for example, was prohibited.
Can you tap down the green around the hole?
There is no longer a penalty for merely touching the line of play on the putting green (the term “line of play” applies everywhere on the course including the putting green, and the term “line of putt” is no longer used).
What is a Golf spike mark?
SPIKES. SPIKE MARK. Pretty much what it sounds like. Gouges in the surface of the putting green left unrepaired by an inconsiderate golfer earlier in the day. Unlike ball marks, the rules of golf prohibit you from repairing these until after you putt out.
What are you allowed to fix on putting green?
➢ A player may repair any old hole plug or ball-mark on the green on his or her line of play, whether the ball is on or off the putting green (this is an exception to Rule 13-2). ➢ But a player must not repair any other damage on the green (such as spike marks, animal damage, etc.)
Can you change balls on the putting green?
You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand. On the putting green however, when you mark and lift your ball, you must replace that same ball to finish out the hole.
Can you stand behind a golfer when he is putting?
When it comes to reading a putt's break, members of a four-ball team may stand nearly anywhere on the green to watch a partner putt, with one exception: They're not allowed to stand on or close to an extension of the player's line of putt behind the ball (Rule 14-2b).
Can you touch your golf ball on the green?
New rule: You are now protected from this penalty under Rule 13.1d which states, “there is no penalty if you, your opponent or another player in stroke play accidentally move your ball or ball marker on the putting green.
Can your caddie mark your ball?
The player's caddie is allowed to mark and lift the player's ball on the putting green any time the player is allowed to do so, without needing authorization. The caddie continues to be allowed to replace the player's ball only if the caddie was the one who had lifted or moved the ball.
Can you brush the green with your hand?
You 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 your hand, foot or other part of your body or a normal ball-mark repair tool, tee.
Can you putt with a ball already in the hole?
Under the Rules of Golf, the golf ball is holed or considered to be in the hole when the ball "is both at rest within the circumference of the hole and the entire ball is below the level of the lip." So, that means a ball is not considered holed until the ball is completely in the cup and has remained in the hole.
Can you fix a ball mark on the green if you are off the green?
You are allowed to repair damage on the green (e.g. pitch marks, spike marks, animal hoof prints) whether your ball is on the green or not.
Can you kneel on green?
May I kneel or lie on the green to read a putt? A. Although not recommended, yes. If the putting green is damaged because of this, the damage may be repaired ( see Rule 13.1c(2)).
Can you pull the pin off the green?
The New Rule: According to the USGA, under Rule 13.2a(2), “There will no longer be a penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits a flagstick left in the hole.” Players will still have the option to remove the flagstick or to have someone tend the pin and remove it after the ball is struck.
Are you allowed to touch the green with your hand?
It sure appeared to my eyes that he scraped the surface. You should never put your hand on the green in that manner. The USGA recommends that a ball be cleaned in other ways to eliminate any question of a player's intentions. Most of the time questions like this are resolved against the player.
Can you take the pin out when off the green?
It's common practice once all golfers are on the putting green for someone in the group to ask, "Hey, anyone need the flag?" If the answer is no, the flagstick can be removed and set aside (place it off the green, out of the line of play).
What is the golden rule of golf?
Play the ball as it lies. Don't move, bend, or break anything growing or fixed, except in fairly taking your stance or swing. Don't press anything down.
Why is flat spot important in golf?
You know how really good players make the game look easy? Well the FSP is the reason. By having the clubhead and clubface working together, it gives you more “time” to make the swing. It’s another mechanical advantage that makes the game significantly easy. The FSP gives you the inner confidence you can hit the ball hard and it will still find the target.
What is the flat spot principle?
What is the Flat Spot Principle (FSP)? It’s the length your clubface and clubhead travel along the target line through impact. The longer the FSP the further and straighter you’ll hit the ball. The FSP is the secret to hitting longer and straighter shots consistently towards the target. It’s also the reason why good players make the game look so easy.
Does FSP matter in golf?
The FSP isn’t concerned with how pretty your golf swing is – it has nothing to do with it. If you get the FSP right, it doesn’t matter what your golf swing looks like. You can have an ugly swing and still hit the ball consistently well time after time.
colin007
Note that one course in my area has banned spikes altogether including soft spikes and requires spikeless shoes. The purpose is to help control poa infestation of the greens, but it does eliminate spike marks.
WestKyGolfer
I still miss my metal spikes. But the can tear up a green if you are not careful.
dennyjones
"Spikeless"?? Do you mean, truly no spikes at all even those little nubs on golf shoes that don't have removable spikes?
WestKyGolfer
This comes out of the Lexi thread because it's hypothesized that she moved her ball to avoid one. We can repair damage to the green that's in our putting line like a ball mark, but we can't tap down a spike mark. I'd like to know why and how they made that decision.
Buckeyebowman
FWIW, I think players at all levels of competition should be allowed to tamp down spike marks. Of course the alarmists will all come out screeching about creating a "channel" to the hole! Come on now, get real!
David in FL
FWIW, I think players at all levels of competition should be allowed to tamp down spike marks. Of course the alarmists will all come out screeching about creating a "channel" to the hole! Come on now, get real!
David in FL
Disagree with that. I saw less scuffed up greens back in the 70's and up than I do with the claw spikes now
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