Putting Green Etiquette: What You Can and Can't Do

You can repair almost any damage on the putting green — ball marks, spike marks, and footprints — without penalty under Rule 13.1c(2), and you may leave the flagstick in while putting since the 2019 rules change (Rule 13.2). Stepping on another player's line of putt isn't penalized but is a serious etiquette breach, and writing scores on the green instead of the next tee is the biggest pace-of-play killer most groups ignore.

Why the green has special rules

The putting green is the most delicate part of the course: the shortest grass, the most intensively maintained surface, and the zone where every hole's result is decided. For this reason, both the Rules of Golf and etiquette have more specific provisions for the green than for any other area of the course.

The most relevant Rule for conduct on the green is Rule 13, which covers the putting green in full: what you can touch, what you can repair, and how the flagstick is managed.

The line of putt: don't step on it

The line of putt is the path the player expects their ball to travel from its current position to the hole. Stepping on another player's line of putt is a serious breach of etiquette — it can indent or alter the surface and directly affect the result of their stroke.

Practical rule: when moving around the green, always walk behind another player's ball, never between the ball and the hole. If you must cross someone's line of putt, step as close to the hole as possible (where the turf has already been pressed by the flagstick base) or as close to the ball as possible (well away from the active putting line).

Stepping on another player's line of putt is not penalised under the Rules for you, but it's considered a serious breach of etiquette that can create tension within the group.

Repairing damage on the green: the 2019 rule

Since the 2019 Rules update (Rule 13.1c(2)), players may repair damage on the putting green caused by any person or outside influence. This includes:

• Ball marks (pitchmarks)
• Spike marks
• Footprint impressions
• Indentations made by clubs, bags, or other equipment
• Damage caused by animals or birds

What cannot be repaired (without receiving a penalty):

• Natural irregularities in the soil (grain, moss)
• Normal wear along the path to the hole
• Marks from mowing or rolling

When to repair: always repair your ball mark before putting, and also repair any others you see on a partner's line as you move around the green. An unrepaired ball mark takes days to recover; a well-repaired one heals in hours.

The flagstick: rules since 2019

Since 2019 (Rule 13.2), a player may leave the flagstick in while putting. There is no penalty if the ball from the green hits the unattended flagstick. This significantly speeds up play — no more managing the flag on every hole.

Options available on the green:

• Leave the flagstick in and putt (even if the ball hits the flagstick)
• Remove the flagstick before playing
• Have someone tend the flagstick ("attend the flag") and remove it as the ball approaches — mainly used when the hole is hard to see from where the ball lies

If you play from off the green and the ball hits an unattended flagstick that was in the hole, there is a 2-stroke penalty (stroke play) or loss of hole (match play).

Position while partners are putting

When the group is putting, there are unwritten positioning rules:

• Don't stand in the player's line of sight or peripheral vision
• Don't make sudden movements or sounds while a player is in their routine
• When you're the first to finish on the green, remove your ball and step away; don't stand over the hole waiting for the others
• Don't mark the scorecard on the green — this is responsible for significant time loss. Wait until you've left the green or until you're at the next tee

Marking your ball

Always mark your ball on the green before lifting it. The marker must be placed directly behind the ball, not to the side or in front.

If your ball marker interferes with another player's line of putt or view, they may ask you to move it one or more putter-head lengths to the side (they indicate the direction). When replacing the ball, the process is exactly reversed.

Leaving the green promptly

Once all players have finished the hole, leave the green immediately. Don't wait on the green to write scores on the scorecard — do it at the next tee. This is one of the most ignored and most impactful etiquette rules for pace: a group that spends 2 minutes on the green after each hole loses 36 minutes per round without realising it.

What happens if you step on a line of putt

Stepping on another player's line of putt carries no penalty under the Rules of Golf — Rule 13.1c(1) only protects the line from deliberate improvement. In stroke play there is no sanction; in match play a deliberate act to damage the line could be treated as a serious breach of etiquette under Rule 1.2, but an accidental footprint is simply a courtesy issue. The practical fix: walk behind the ball, not between ball and hole, and if you must cross, step near the hole where the flagstick base has already pressed the turf.

Keep reading: Ready Golf · honour and plays first from the tee

Frequently asked questions

Can I repair spike marks and footprints on the green?

Yes. Since the 2019 Rules update (Rule 13.1c(2)), you may repair any damage on the putting green caused by a person or outside influence, including spike marks, footprints, and club indentations. You cannot repair natural irregularities like grain or normal wear from mowing.

Is there a penalty if my ball hits the flagstick while putting?

No penalty if you're putting from on the green and the ball hits an unattended flagstick left in the hole (Rule 13.2). However, if you play from off the green and your ball hits an unattended flagstick, you get a 2-stroke penalty in stroke play or lose the hole in match play.

Where should I stand while my playing partners are putting?

Stand well away from the player's line of sight and peripheral vision, and don't move or make noise during their routine. When you finish the hole first, remove your ball and step off the green — don't hover over the cup waiting for others.

Do I have to mark my ball before lifting it on the green?

Yes, always mark your ball directly behind it before lifting. If your marker interferes with another player's line or view, they can ask you to move it one or more putter-head lengths to the side; reverse the process exactly when replacing the ball.

What happens if I step on someone's line of putt?

There's no Rules penalty for stepping on another player's line of putt, but it's considered a serious breach of etiquette because it can indent the surface and affect their putt. Walk behind the ball or as close to the hole as possible when crossing the green.

Can I touch the green with my hand or putter to check the slope?

Yes. You may touch the putting green with your hand, putter, or anything else to point out the line of play or check the slope — Rule 13.1c(1) allows it provided you don't improve the conditions affecting the stroke. Pressing down grass or repairing a mark you didn't create would cross the line.

What if my ball hits another ball at rest on the green?

No penalty. In stroke play you play your ball as it lies; the moved ball must be replaced on its original spot (Rule 11.1a). In match play there is also no penalty — your ball is played as it lies and the opponent replaces theirs.

Can I remove sand or loose soil on the green without penalty?

Yes. Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green and may be removed anywhere — even on your line of putt — without penalty under Rule 15.1a. Just don't press anything down while doing it.

Do I have to attend the flagstick for another player?

No. Attending the flag is a courtesy, not a requirement. Since 2019 (Rule 13.2) the flagstick can stay in unattended. If someone asks you to tend it, you may — but you're not obliged, and there's no penalty if you decline.