Rules of Golf Quiz #12

Answer to Rules Quiz #11

As you remember, Miguel hit his approach shot which landed on the fringe of the green.
Miguel wanted to putt on his next stroke but the pitch mark his ball made when it hit the
ground was directly between his ball and the hole. Miguel wants to repair his pitch mark
before he putts.

According to Rule 8 (entitle “Course Played as It Is Found”) Miguel is not allowed to repair his
pitch mark before he putts. While players are responsible for taking care of the course, Rule
8.1a (3) states a player “is not allowed to alter the surface of the ground… by creating or
eliminating holes, indentations or uneven surfaces that improve conditions of the player’s line
of play.” In one respect, this seems unfair and conflicts with the premise all golfers should care
for the course. We are constantly reminded to rake traps, fill divots and repair ball marks as
part of our responsibility as golfers to adhere to proper course etiquette. In this case, Miguel
should repair his pitch mark but only after he played his next shot.

Rules Quiz #12

If Miguel’s ball had landed on the green and came to rest on the fringe, would he be
allowed to repair his pitch mark before he hit his next shot? Does the pitch mark being on the
green make a difference?