Rule 16-1d Testing Surface

Hello Everyone,

While reviewing certain rules, I came across Rule 16-1d and wondered if I had been violating this rule. As part of my putting routine (habit), after I line up the ball, I would brush my fingers on the putting surface to the side of the ball. I do this to wipe my fingers of debris or sweat before I pick up my ball marker. If this action is deemed illegal, I will definitely make a conscious effort to stop doing this and change my routine. Thanks in advance.

Pat Smith

While your intent is to clean your hand, the action could arguably be construed as "testing the putting surface", because whether you intend to do so or not, you are learning a bit about the length of grass on the green, the grain, and the amount of moisture on the green. I would say it is a bad habit that leaves a player open to criticism and perceptions that you wouldn't want. I would stop that and use a towel or a pant leg.

Jim Gallagher