Golf rule 13-2 or 16-1?

Question

Which is the ruling for this situation? My opponent hits the green on his par 3 and causes a huge divot which make his ball stick in it. He claims under rule 16-1 he can repair the damage surface. I told him under 13-2 he can't improve his lie by fixing were his ball is sitting in. So can he lift his ball up and fix his divot then place the ball back? Or is that a 1 stroke penalty?

Answer 1

Re-read rule 13-2. It says specifically that the player may repair damage on the green, and refers you to rule 16-1.

So, under both rules he is allowed to repair the damage.

Even if his ball had plugged in the fairway, he would be allowed to lift, clean and drop (Rule 25-2). By the way, rule 25-2 is the only place in the rules of golf where the word "fairway" appears.

Answer 2

Anywhere on the green, whether a mark be made by the player's ball or from prior players a person has a right to fix all ball marks which are on the green. He may also repair other damage caused by a player leaning on the putter or slamming the putter into the green in anger, causing damage, KIndly reread 13-2, third paragraph starting " however" 4th dot.No penalty.

Answer 3

He has every right to fix the ball mark.  He can remove loose impediments from his line and fix any ball mark he pleases.  He cannot tap down spike marks, which I think is a rule that needs to be changed.

Answer 4

He can mark it and then fix his ball mark, just like you can fix any other ball mark on the green thats in your way.

Why would you think its any different that he made the mark?

Answer 5

Great question.  In this situation, it depends whose turn it is to play.  If it was your turn to play and for some reason you didn't want the ball mark fixed and made that clear, he should not fix the ball mark.  If he fixes the ball mark against your wishes, then he receives a two-stroke penalty under rule 1-4 for failing to honor your right.  If it's his turn to play and he fixes the ball mark there is no penalty because there is no prohibitions against fixing damaged on the green caused by a golf ball.