A question came up today. This relates to taking another putt or chip around the green, after everyone is holed out.

I interpret rule 7 and the related decisions, to allow a practice putt or chip, after everyone is holed out, for both match play and for stroke play. This is directly from the USGA web site. It seems very clear to me.

Can someone confirm please.

I really hate it when someone cites a rule on the course as if they know, and then they are completely wrong. I just want to make sure on this one.

Thanks.

I am going to have to assume that it is allowed because I have seen tour pros do it on TV.

Practice putting is allowed after the completion of a hole on the same green, a practice green or the tee box of the next hole to be played.

7-2. During Round
A player must not make a practice stroke during play of a hole. Between the play of two holes, a player must not make a practice stroke, except that he may practice putting or chipping on or near:

(a) the putting green of the hole last played,
(b) any practice putting green, or
© the teeing ground of the next hole to be played in the round,

provided a practice stroke is not made from a hazard and does not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7).

Strokes made in continuing the play of a hole, the result of which has been decided, are not practice strokes.

Absolutely correct. Keep in mind however, that note 2 to the Practice rule is often instituted as a condition of the competition, and is in fact in force for tour events. This local rule is NOT in force at USGA events like the US Open, but you seldom see players take advantage of it as they are so used to not being allowed to:

Note 2: The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), prohibit:

(a) practice on or near the putting green of the hole last played, and
(b) rolling a ball on the putting green of the hole last played.

Kevin

How is the rule applied during match play? I do see pros practice in between holes during match play events quite a bit.

Generally practice putting (or chipping) is permitted in matchplay competitions at all levels.

I've playeda fair bit of matchplay in my time and never known it be outlawed by a local rule or committee decision.

If, in the Rules, there is no mention of the differences between match play and stroke play the rule/conditions/etc are for EITHER form of play.

I agree. The major difference in the rules for practice between match play and stroke play come in rule:

7-1. Before or Between Rounds

Kevin

Edit:

Also note that the stroke play penalties can be disregarded via local rule for 7-1.