tamping of green with putter

Hello,

I was preparing for a putt and there was a ball mark in the line of my putt so I used my putter to stamp on the ball mark to even it. My friend came up to me to say its not allowed but I swear I saw on golf channel pros doing that.

Does anyone know which rule in the rule book stipulates right and wrong on this issue? Stamping the green, whether its a ball mark or not is ok or ?

Hi Bro, I am pretty certain cannot if it is not a divot........but if it is clear divot, then you can repair the pitch...

Rule 16. The Putting Green
Definitions

All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
16-1. General

a. Touching Line of Putt

The line of putt must not be touched except:

(i) the player may remove loose impediments, provided he does not press anything down;
(ii) the player may place the club in front of the ball when addressing it, provided he does not press anything down;
(iii) in measuring - Rule 18-6;
(iv) in lifting or replacing the ball - Rule 16-1b;
(v) in pressing down a ball-marker;
(vi) in repairing old hole plugs or ball marks on the putting green - Rule 16-1c; and
(vii) in removing movable obstructions - Rule 24-1.

(Indicating line for putting on putting green - see Rule 8-2b.)

so u can touch only if you are repairing old hole plugs or ball marks...

You can repair a pitch mark and tap it down with your putter. Spike marks or scuff marks can not tap down

ya, you may even repair other ball mark not on your line of putt too. I saw that in the golf channel. Somtime I just wonder in competition it is already so stressful the pro still got time to repiar other ball mark

ok thank you guys.