Ask the Ref: Can you tap down spike marks on the green?

Your playing partner taps down spike marks on the green before putting, is that allowed? Women & Golf’s rules expert Sheila Waltham explains.

By Sheila Waltham

During a match, Player A taps down spike marks on the putting green along the line of their putt. Is this allowed?

Yes. This rule changed in 2019. A player can repair damage to the putting green by taking reasonable actions to restore it to its original condition eg repairing pitch marks, spike marks, dents caused by the flagstick, animal tracks etc. but does not allow “repairs” to natural imperfections, aeration holes or natural wear (Rule 13.1c)

Sheila Waltham

Golf Rules Referee

Sheila Waltham has been a qualified rules official for over 15 years and joined the England Golf Tournament Panel of Referees in 2019. A keen golfer since 1995, Sheila’s interest in the Rules was born out of the realisation that a lot of the information she received as a novice golfer was incorrect. So, she took matters into her own hands!