Marking a ball on the green in order to clean it or protect it from another putt will no longer be a nerve-wracking experience!
Originally published 2016
https://www.golfchannel.com/news/golf-central-blog/usga-adds-local-rule-accidental-ball-movement
“When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. … If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location.”
The upshot:
- If moved accidentally, the ball is returned to its original location.
- If moved by nature, you play it as it lies.
That is a damn good rule change! Glad to see them making some sense, and keeping the game fun.
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