As soon as the ball is on the putting green, a player may pick up and wipe his ball as long as he or she marks it properly.

The ball is on the putting green when any part of it touches the surface.

You may use anything to mark the ball but a small penny or marker pin is recommended.

If the marker is in the line of your opponents putt you may choose to move the marker to either side of the line.

This should be done by marking the ball then moving it one club’s head or club’s length to the side on a line with a fixed spot on the horizon.

Be careful after marking your ball and putting in your pocket that you take out the right one.

If you put down a different ball, you will be penalised two shots, or in match play, concede the hole.

Take care what you do while you are waiting to putt.

You are not allowed to practice putting on the green or test the surface before your shot.