The ruling in plain English
Usually yes: after finishing a hole and before starting the next, you may practise a putt or chip on or near the green you just completed, on a practice green, or at the next tee. Do not practise from a bunker or delay play, and check for a Local Rule that removes this permission.
Apply the Rule on the course
Check the place, pace of play and any competition Local Rule before taking a practice stroke.
- 1
Make sure the hole is complete and the next has not begun.
- 2
Check the competition's Local Rules, particularly any restriction on practice near the completed green.
- 3
Practise only a putt or chip in one of the permitted places without using a bunker or delaying the group.
Practise your putting at home
A 10 ft putting mat gives you space to work on pace, start line and consistency between rounds. This SAPLIZE mat includes alignment markings, a mirror, practice hole and ball stop.
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View the putting mat on AmazonWhat else matters
A breach of Rule 5.5 brings the general penalty, applied to the next hole when the breach is between holes.
Exceptions
- Model Local Rule I-2 may prohibit practice on or near the green just completed.
- A practice swing with no intent to strike a ball is not itself a practice stroke.
Common mistakes
- Assuming that any practice stroke anywhere between holes is allowed.
- Practising from a bunker.
- Ignoring a competition Local Rule or delaying play.
Remember: Between holes: putt or chip in the specified spots, keep moving.
R&A Rule 5.5b
Independent plain-English guide. The current Rules, Interpretations and applicable Local Rules control.