Golfers May Restore Leaves Behind a Downhill Putt
A partner may clear existing debris, but the original position can be restored if the stroke is affected.
Golfers facing a fast downhill putt may keep leaves or twigs behind the hole when those objects were already on the green. If another player removes them, the golfer may return them to their previous spots when the change makes the stroke more difficult.
That permission comes from a clarification connected to Rule 8.1d, which allows players to restore conditions that existed when their ball stopped. The same idea applies to movable objects, such as a towel, if another player moves one and affects the upcoming stroke. Any player can clear debris, but the player whose shot is affected may put it back.
The boundary is deliberate construction. A golfer cannot gather twigs or move another object into place after arriving at the green to create protection beyond the hole. Rule 8.1a(2) prohibits moving loose impediments or movable obstructions to improve the line of play or help build a stance. Doing so brings the general penalty: two strokes in stroke play or loss of the hole in match play.
- Rule 8.1d covers restoring conditions after a ball has stopped.
- The penalty is two strokes in stroke play.
- Match play brings loss of hole.
- Building a new backstop is prohibited under Rule 8.1a(2).
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