Can I practice putting on the green after finishing a hole?

Yes, you can practice putting or chipping on the putting green of the hole you just completed and on the teeing area of the next hole, as long as you don't do it from a bunker and you don't unreasonably delay play (Rule 5.5b). The Committee may adopt a Local Rule that prohibits this practice entirely.

What the rule allows

Once you've holed out, Rule 5.5b lets you hit a few putts or chips on the green you just played or on any practice green. You can also practise on the teeing area of the next hole. This is the only time during a round when practice strokes are permitted between holes.

The two hard limits

First, you cannot make those practice strokes from a bunker — not even a greenside bunker next to the green you just finished. Second, you must not unreasonably delay play; if your group is waiting on the tee or the group behind is pushing up, you've crossed the line.

When the Committee says no

A Committee can introduce Model Local Rule I-2 to ban practice putting or chipping on the green of the hole just completed. If that Local Rule is in effect, the exception disappears and any practice stroke between holes earns you the general penalty.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Practice is on the putting green of the hole just completed, any practice green, or the teeing area of the next hole → Putting and chipping practice strokes are allowed (Rule 5.5b Exception)
• Practice strokes are made from a bunker → Not allowed, even if the bunker is next to the green just completed
• Practice unreasonably delays play → Not allowed — breach incurs the general penalty (Rule 5.6a)
• Committee adopts Model Local Rule I-2 → All practice putting or chipping on the green of the hole just completed is prohibited

Frequently asked questions

Can I chip from the fringe of the green I just finished?

Yes. The exception covers putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the hole just completed, so the fringe counts.

What if I hit a few putts while waiting for the group ahead to clear the next tee?

That's allowed as long as you're on the green you just finished or the next teeing area, you're not in a bunker, and you're not holding anyone up.

Does this apply in match play and stroke play?

Yes. Rule 5.5b applies to both forms of play; the permission and the restrictions are identical.

What's the penalty if I practise where I shouldn't?

General penalty — two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play. If the breach happens between holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

How do I know if the Committee has banned this with a Local Rule?

Check the notice board or the tournament's Local Rules sheet before you tee off. If Model Local Rule I-2 is in force, it will be listed there.