The game of golf involves a myriad of skills---from strength, stamina and accuracy to eye-hand coordination. After the ball is hit off the tee and makes its way down the fairway, the golfer's goal is to get that tiny ball up on the green and putt it into the cup that rests in the hole. This is a difficult task, and with it come rules that keep the game fair for all players.
Putting Line
The player is not allowed to touch the line between where the ball sits on the green and the hole. However, there are some exceptions, which include removing obstructions, placing the golf club in front of the ball without pressing the grass, measuring the distance to the cup, lifting the ball and putting it back down, inserting a ball marker, replacing plugs or ball marks on the putting surface and moving objects that are movable. Spike marks and other damage may not be repaired.
Golfer on the Green
Golfers are not allowed to check the green surface by rolling the ball or roughing the surface of the green. While putting, players are not allowed to straddle the line from the ball to the cup. They may not have either foot on the putting line. Players are not to put while another ball is moving on the green. The ball may be lifted and cleaned while on the green, but it must be replaced in exactly the same spot.
Overhanging Ball
If the ball hangs over the edge of the hole, the player is allowed enough time to approach it and another 10 seconds to ensure that the ball has finished moving or come to rest. If the ball is still in the same position after the time is up, the ball is considered at rest. However, if the ball falls into the hole after the allotted time, the player has a penalty stroke added to his score.
Flag
The player is allowed to have the flag stick removed at any time he is playing. If the player doesn't have the flag stick removed before his shot, it must stay in place until the ball stops rolling. However, if the ball rests against the flag stick, someone may move the stick. If the ball falls into the hole, the player is given credit for holing out with the last stroke and receives a penalty. If it moves but does not fall into the hole, it can be placed at the edge of the hole with no penalties.
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