Can You Touch the Putting Green Before Putting?

The rules around touching the putting green have recently changed, and it’s important for golfers to understand the updated regulations. Prior to 2019, players were prohibited from touching the line of putt on the putting green, with a penalty for doing so. However, the latest rules have eliminated this penalty, allowing players to touch the putting green without consequence, as long as they don’t improve their line of play.

No Penalty for Touching the Putting Green

According to the updated Rules of Golf, there is no longer a penalty for merely touching the line of play on the putting green. This means that players, their partners, or their caddies can point out the line of play or make other contact with the putting surface without fear of incurring a penalty.

The key distinction is that players cannot take any actions that would improve their line of play. Merely touching the green, such as brushing away leaves or other debris, is now permitted without penalty. However, deliberately placing a foot or other object to indicate the line of play would still be a violation of the rules.

Repairing Damage on the Putting Green

In addition to the changes around touching the putting green, the rules have also been updated to allow players to repair a wider range of damage on the putting surface. This includes repairing not just pitch marks and old hole plugs, but also shoe damage, animal damage, and indentations made by a club or flagstick.

These changes are intended to make the game more player-friendly and reduce the need for rules discussions and penalties related to the putting green. By eliminating the penalty for touching the line of play and allowing more damage repair, the rules aim to streamline the game and improve the overall experience for golfers.