Decision 1-2/1.

Line of Putt Altered Purposely by Opponent or Fellow-Competitor by Stepping on It

Q. An opponent or a fellow-competitor purposely steps on the player?s line of putt with the intention either of improving the line (e.g., by pressing down a raised tuft of grass) or of damaging it (e.g., by making spike marks). What is the ruling?

A. In either case, the opponent or the fellow-competitor was in breach of Rule 1-2. The penalty is loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play, unless the Committee decides to impose a penalty of disqualification ? See Note under Rule 1-2.

In stroke play if the line of putt has been damaged, the player, in equity (Rule 1-4) may restore the line of putt to its previous condition. A player is entitled to the lie and line of putt he had when his ball came to rest. The line of putt may be restored by anyone.

Competitor Sanctions Repair of Spike Damage on His Line of Putt by Fellow-Competitor ? See 13-2/36.

Loose Impediments Brushed Along Line of Putt Rather Than to Side ? See 16-1a/10.

Line of Putt Damaged Accidentally by Opponent, Fellow-Competitor or Their Caddies? See 16-1a/13.

Ball Lifted on Putting Green Placed Ahead of Ball-Marker and Then Moved Back to Original Position ? See 16-1a/17.

Ball Mark in Position to Assist Opponent Repaired by Player ? See 16-1c/2.

Placing Object Marking Position of Ball in Front of Ball ? See 20-1/19.

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