In the last four articles we have looked at abnormal course conditions and relief from such conditions. We learned how to establish the reference point that determined the relief area from which we would take our drop.
When our ball is on the green, we have an additional option: if the abnormal course condition (ground under repair, temporary water, or animal hole) is between our ball and the hole, we have the right to relief without penalty for the line of the putt even if our ball or our stance is not in the abnormal course condition.
We must determine a spot where our ball is about the same distance from the hole, without interference from the abnormal course condition, on our intended line of putt. Our reference point is were there is complete relief from the condition.
Important: The line of the intended putt is not necessarily a straight line between our ball and the hole. It follows the trajectory we intend to use for our putt.
If the only point of the same distance from the hole where there is complete relief is off the green, we must place a ball at this point, even though it may be in the rough.
In the case of temporary water surrounding the hole, making it impossible to obtain complete relief, we may place our ball on a point where we obtain the minimum of interference from the condition. In other words, we may place our ball on a line where there is the least amount of water. This exact words for that reference point is : POINT OF MAXIMUM AVAILABLE RELIEF.
Normally, play would be suspended if conditions were such that holes were surrounded by temporary water.
May we remove temporary water around the hole?
We are not allowed to remove water or dew from a green. We may use a towel to remove loose impediments, , but we may not use the towel to sponge off water from the green.