[Gxgolfer]

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Last year the U.S. Golf Association amended the Rules of Golf to allow players to remove loose impediments from their line of putt by any means (as long as it doesn't excessively delay play or mask an attempt to test the surface of the green). Here is a refresher on other rules, and some etiquette, regarding the putting line.

The path you intend the ball to travel to reach the hole--which is not necessarily a straight line between the ball and the hole--is the putting line. This area includes a reasonable distance on either side of that path. The putting line does not extend beyond the hole, but, in terms of etiquette, the path the ball will likely travel past the cup if the putt is missed is known as the "through-line." Etiquette dictates that a player should not walk through another player's through-line. Tread carefully around the hole.

• Don't touch the line of putt in front of your ball with your putter or body if you can avoid it. However, you can touch the line if you're pressing down a ball marker or lifting the ball; removing loose impediments, such as pebbles; repairing hole plugs or ball marks; removing a moveable obstruction, such as a sign that marks who is closest to the pin; or measuring to see who is farthest away from the hole. If you accidentally walk on the line, there is no penalty.

• Though it's OK to remove loose impediments from the line, don't brush or mop casual water, dew or frost. In the case of casual water, such as a small puddle caused by heavy rain, the area is an abnormal ground condition, and the player is entitled to place the ball at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard or closer to the hole. That could mean off the green in rare instances. If it's dew or frost, you just have to deal with it.

• You aren't allowed to repair spike marks on the green--whether they are on your line or not--until the hole is completed. Nor can someone in your foursome repair the spike mark for you; you and the person who made the repair would be penalized if you authorized it. But once everyone has holed out, repairing spike marks for the next group is always a good idea.