Playing Golf On The Green

On The Green

Once everyone has reached the green, placed their clubs and carts on the side towards the next tee, and repaired any ball marks, it is time to putt. The putter is normally used for this, although technically any club could be used. For beginning players, however, it is better to stick with the putter. One difference you should note about playing on the green. It is permissible to lift your ball from the green AFTER having marked it. In fact, it is recommended that you do so, especially if your ball could interfere with someone else's putt. In which case, you must do so.

You mark your ball by placing your marker as close as you can get it (without moving the ball) on the side of the ball farthest from the hole. After you have lifted your ball on the green, you may clean it before replacing it. When you replace your ball afterwards, make sure to place it in front of the marker, towards the hole.

The person who is next away may request that you move your marker to one side or another so that they have a clear line to the hole. You do this by measuring off from the ball marker, using your putter (usually the widest dimension) as many times as necessary, in the direction requested. (Remember the number of putter "widths" you used.) Move the marker from its original position to its new position (to the opposite side of the putter).

Player B has asked Player A to move their ball marker to the right. The putter is placed beside the marker and then the marker is moved to the right side of the putter. This can be done as many times as necessary (twice illustrated).

When the putt has been made, and when it is your turn to play, ensure that you reverse the process and return the marker to its original position before replacing your ball.

Once everyone has "putted out", you should leave the green as quickly as possible and proceed to the next tee, remembering to mark your score (see below). The procedure for the next hole is virtually identical. One difference is that the person who achieved the lowest score on the preceding hole is normally given the honors on the new hole. The next person to tee off would be the next-lowest score, and so on. In cases where there were ties in the score, scores achieved in previous holes should be used to break the ties. For ties on the second hole, the order used during the first hole tee-off would be used to break the tie.

Etiquette

Note that as for any other part of the course, the first person to play on the green is the one furthest from the hole, whether or not everyone is on the green.

Ensure that you repair any mark that your ball created on the surface of the green (as well as any others that you have time for).

Do not walk on or stand on the line of put of any of the other players. Do not cast a shadow on a player's line of putt.

Stay on or around the green until everyone has putted out.

Do not stand directly behind the player, the ball, or the hole when the player is making a stroke.

Do not lean on your clubs on the green to prevent marking it. You should replace the flag with care to prevent damage to the hole.

Do not remove your ball from the hole with the head of your putter - use your fingers.

Do not mark your score until everyone has cleared the green. Wait until you have reached the next green and mark it while you wait your turn to hit.

Applicable Rules

You may remove any loose impediments from the green such as sand, loose soil, stones, insects, but you must not press anything down.

You may repair any ball marks or old hole plugs that are in the line of putt. You must not repair any cleat marks in the line of putt until you have putted out.

You must make sure that your putt does not hit another player's ball or the flag.

It is not a penalty if the ball is moved while marking or un-marking or replacing your marked ball on the green. The ball must be replaced in its original position. Note that the ball is only considered to have moved if it ends up in a different spot. If it merely oscillates but stays in the same spot, it has not moved.

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