GOLF RULE FOR THE WEEK:
Old Hole Plug
Question 1:
If a player’s ball comes to rest on an old hole plug may they take relief from it?
No, there is no relief from an old hole plug.
Question 2:
If, on a player’s line of putt, there is an old hole plug that they consider is not level may they attempt to raise or lower the edges before making their putt…
a) … if their ball is on the putting surface?
Yes
- b) … if their ball is off the putting surface?
Yes
Part of Rule 16-1c states:
The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player’s ball lies on the putting green.
Question 3:
If a player’s ball comes to rest behind an old hole that is on their line of putt may they take relief from it?
Answer 3:
No, there is no relief from an old hole plug on the line of putt.
Question 4:
May a player deliberately repair a spike mark that is on their line of putt if it is on an old hole plug?
Answer 4:
No.
Note: However, Decision 16-1a/16.5 rules that if a player steps on the hole plug to make it level with the surface of the putting green and in so doing they press down a spike mark within the hole plug, they do not incur a penalty. Rule 16-1a permits touching the line of putt in repairing old hole plugs.
