New Golf Rules Explained: Repairing Damage on the Putting Green

In 2019, the USGA, R&A, along with the input of the PGA tour and others, implemented thirty changes to the Rules of Golf. All with the goal of making the game more player friendly, easier to understand, and improve pace of play. Not all of the changes will apply at prestigious amateur competitions or the pro tours, which means you the recreational golfer will benefit the most of the rules changes.

To ensure you are informed Mr Topes Golf broke down the most important rules of golf changes, what they are and what they mean for you.

Golf Rule Explained: What can be repaired on the putting surface

Old Rule: A player may only repair ball-marks or old hole divots on the putting green.

New Rule: You may repair any damage caused by a person, animal or other outside influence including things such as shoe damage, damage from a player’s golf club, a hole left by an embedded object, ball-marks or a turf plug from an old hole (see Rule 13.1c(2)).

How Does this Help You: The new rule clearly outlines what type of damage on a putting green can or cannot be repaired.  And a smoother surface will help improve your putting and scoring.