Did Tiger fix a ball mark on the 18th green yesterday after his 3rd shot spun back off the green?

Question

His 3rd shot came to rest off the green after hitting the green. I thought you could not fix a mark on the green until you were on the green.

Answer 1

no, he did nothing illegal. he's damn good

Answer 2

Here's the official rule (from the USGA) on this issue:

c. Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage

The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player’s ball lies on the putting green. If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of the repair, the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty provided the movement of the ball is directly attributable to the specific act of repairing an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball. Otherwise, the player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a.

Answer 3

You are always supposed to to fix your ball marks as soon as possible. Remember it was HIS mark he was fixing.

I don't know of any rule that would prohibit you from fixing a ball mark or cause a penalty.

Answer 4

Ball marks you can and should fix. Spike marks you can't fix until you are done putting.