Putt line ruined by spike marks or pitch marks? You have the right to repair it
You reach the green. Your ball is 5 metres from the hole with a perfect line... except for 3 ball marks, a spike mark, and a scratch from the previous group's pitch mark tool. Do you have to accept it?
No. Since the 2019 rule reforms, Rule 13.1c gives you a broad right to restore the green surface before your putt. Crucially, that right covers your entire putting line from ball to hole — not just the area immediately around your ball — a detail that surprises even experienced golfers.
What Can You Repair? (Rule 13.1c)
The list is longer than many golfers realise:
- Ball marks (pitch marks, impact marks)
- Spike and shoe marks (cleats marks, footprints)
- Equipment damage (bags, clubs, trolleys)
- Flagstick marks (scratches from inserting/removing the pin)
- Scratches and scuffs on the surface
- Loose material stuck to the green (you can remove it)
- Old aeration plugs that have lifted
What Can You Use to Repair?
No special tools required. You can use:
- Your hands or fingers
- Your feet (gently, stepping softly)
- A divot repair tool (most recommended)
- A tee or any piece of equipment (the butt of the grip, for example)
The key: the goal is to restore the surface to its original condition, not improve it beyond what it was before the damage. Bear in mind that while you are crouched over the green repairing a mark, it is surprisingly easy to accidentally nudge your ball or marker — a common moment of panic that Rule 13.1d resolves without penalty, as long as you replace the ball correctly; the full breakdown of what counts as a protected accident on the green is worth reading before your next round.
What You CANNOT Repair
Here are the boundaries that separate a legal hack from an infraction:
- Natural wear around the hole (the hole always deteriorates throughout the day)
- Natural ground imperfections (undulations, patchy grass)
- Aeration holes (deliberately made by the greenkeeper)
- Mowing cuts or mowing lines
If you repair any of these, you could receive 2 penalty strokes for improving the conditions affecting your stroke.
The Correct Technique to Repair a Pitch Mark
- Insert the repair tool at the edge of the mark, angled towards the centre.
- Push gently inward without lifting the turf. DON'T lever upward.
- Repeat from several angles around the mark.
- Smooth with your putter by gently running the sole over the repaired area.
A well-done repair helps the green recover in hours. A poorly done one can leave a mark for weeks.
Lazar Tip: Repairing pitch marks isn't just your right — it's your responsibility as a golfer. Always repair your own and, if you have time, repair an extra one. The course will thank you. Questions about what you can repair? Take a photo of the damage with Lazar and it will give you the exact rule.