When a stacked “volcano” cup wobbles in the middle of play, competitors and officials face a rapid judgment call: repair it and risk a penalty, or leave it and hope nothing worse happens. The question landed this week with the Rules Guy, who probes whether established principles – rules defined as the regulations governing conduct and procedure – allow on-the-spot fixes or require strict enforcement. The column will examine governing texts, past rulings and referee discretion to clarify when intervention is permitted and when it becomes a breach that changes the outcome.
Investigating the volcano cup incident: what went wrong and why
Investigators found that the so‑called “volcano” cups – hole liners or edges that protrude above the putting surface – created a consistent risk of balls hanging on the rim or deflecting unexpectedly, a hazard that translates directly into lost pars and unstable short‑game statistics. maintenance errors, improper liner seating and wear that allowed a lip of even 6 mm or more above the green plane were identified as primary causes; by contrast, the official hole diameter remains 4.25 inches (108 mm)1-3% slope variance near the hole when planning speed and line. Transitioning from diagnosis to correction, coaches should teach golfers to recognize and compensate for rim effects by altering approach trajectory and short‑game strategy rather than relying solely on pure putting mechanics.
From a technique viewpoint, the incident underscores fundamentals in both the putting stroke and the chip/bump repertoire. For putts that may contact an irregular cup, emphasize a controlled arc and consistent face angle: use alignment aids to deliver the putter face within ±2 degrees of square at impact and practice a tempo of roughly 0.4s back / 0.4s through for speed control. When approaching greens with potential rim issues, favour low‑trajectory chip‑and‑run or bump‑and‑run shots to minimise the chance of ball lodging on a lip; set up with 60% of weight on the lead foot, shaft leaning forward about 10-15 degrees, and a narrow stance (feet approximately 4-6 inches apart) so the leading‑edge contact produces predictable roll.Common mistakes – excessive wrist action, too much lofted‑club reliance inside 20 yards, or inconsistent face alignment – can be corrected with simple, repeatable drills and video review that demonstrate measurable enhancement in launch angle and first‑roll distance.
When a “volcano” cup is discovered in play, procedural knowledge is as vital as technique. According to guidance from Rules Guy, the proper sequence is to stop and notify the committee or a rules official immediately; do not attempt to re‑seat or alter the cup yourself, as unilateral repair by a competitor can create complications and potential penalties under competition rules. In practice, the committee may elect to repair or replace the hole and will determine whether to allow the hole to remain in play or to re‑position the cup; players should follow the committee’s ruling for continuation of play. For on‑course submission, follow these steps:
- Inform the committee or starter and document the location of the affected hole.
- Do not repair the cup as an individual – wait for official action to avoid a rules breach.
- Accept any committee determination about placement, relief or replay options; if a hole is moved, the committee will direct how scores are adjusted.
This approach preserves the integrity of competition and ensures players are not unfairly disadvantaged while remaining within the rules framework.
Equipment and setup refinements reduce vulnerability to cup irregularities and improve overall scoring. Evaluate loft selection and ball speed for approach shots: lower launch angles (e.g., using a 7‑iron rather of 6‑iron into firm, fast greens) reduce hop‑and‑skip that can exploit a raised cup lip, while higher‑spin wedges are advantageous on softer turf. Setup checkpoints to drill:
- Ball position – slightly back of center for chipping, just inside the left heel for right‑handed putts.
- weight distribution - 60/40 lead for short game, even for full swings.
- Contact focus – aim for a crisp divot location on approach shots and a clean leading‑edge strike on chips.
Troubleshooting common errors (ball bouncing off the rim, inconsistent roll) can be addressed with targeted practice: use a 3‑foot radius drill around a cup to learn how different trajectories react to the rim and employ a launch‑monitor or phone video to measure impact angles and spin rates for objective feedback.
translate investigation findings into a structured practice plan and on‑course game management strategy that serve all skill levels. Suggested routine: spend two 30‑minute sessions weekly on short‑game control - one focused on trajectory (partial wedge trajectories of 20-40 yards) and one on precision (30 chips from 5-30 yards aiming to leave within 6 feet 60% of the time).For beginners, prioritise consistent contact and simple bump‑and‑run shots; for low handicappers, refine trajectory control and develop a reliable low‑spin option to negotiate raised rims. Also, prepare for environmental factors – on firm, dry days expect more bounce and prefer lower‑launch approaches, while wet conditions call for more spin and softer landings. Mentally, rehearse contingency plans (aiming points, alternative clubs) so that when an irregular cup alters green behavior, the player calmly executes an adjusted strategy rather than forcing a single technique.By combining maintenance awareness, rules procedure, measurable drills and adaptive course management, golfers can limit the scoring damage of irregular cups and turn a rules incident into an opportunity for technical and strategic growth.
Rules Guy analysis: interpreting cup repair allowances under tournament guidelines
In tournament play, the committee-not the individual player-has the authority to manage course conditions, and the rules Guy notes that a committee may repair a damaged cup (including a “volcano” lip) without penalizing competitors so long as repairs are carried out by a rules official or course staff under the committee’s direction. procedurally,players should immediately stop play if a damaged hole affects a ball at rest and summon a rules official; do not attempt to fix the cup yourself.if a cup is repaired while play is suspended, the committee will issue a ruling on whether a player’s ball that was at rest must be replaced, given relief, or played as it lies. In practice, this means always marking and leaving your ball in place, then getting an official ruling before continuing, which preserves your rights and avoids penalties.
From a course-management perspective, anticipate the possibility of a volcano lip on heavily used or newly sodded greens and plan shots to minimize exposure. For approach shots inside 50 yards, favor a steeper landing angle and controlled spin: use a wedge with sufficient loft and bounce and aim for a landing zone 3-6 feet short of the hole so the ball checks rather than approaches the lip. when conditions permit, increase attack angle slightly to produce a landing angle near 45°, which enhances stopping power on receptive turf. For strategic play, choose trajectories and clubs that keep the ball below the cup’s rim line-this reduces the chance a ball will be deflected by a raised lip and forces fewer rulings mid-round.
Putting on or around a volcano cup requires precise green reading and speed control because the lip can change the effective break and capture angle. First, set up with a square face and a slightly firmer stroke than usual to avoid the ball slowing and being caught by the lip; aim for a pace that would carry the hole and stop 1-2 feet past the cup on a straight test line. Beginners should practice a simple gate drill: place two tees 2 inches apart and stroke 20 putts through the gate, focusing on face alignment and accelerating through impact. Advanced players should work on pace-control drills using a 12-foot putt, trying to leave the ball within 18 inches on 80% of attempts to build reliable speed under pressure.
Short-game technique and equipment choices materially affect outcomes around damaged cups. Use wedges with the correct bounce for the turf (for tight, firm lies choose lower bounce, for soft or plugged conditions choose higher bounce); when executing a chip to avoid a volcano lip, employ a lower-lofted club with a shallow attack angle (around -4° to -2°) and strike slightly behind the ball to produce a predictable bump-and-run. Common mistakes include too soft a touch or opening the face excessively, which increase spin and raise the chance of the ball stopping on the lip-correct these by maintaining a stable lower body, keeping hands slightly ahead at impact, and practicing the “landing spot” drill: select a 6‑foot spot and hit 30 shots aiming to land within a 1‑foot radius.
Mental approach and tournament routines reduce disruption when cup repairs occur: pre-round, walk the greens and note any questionable holes so you can anticipate alternate lines of play. If crew activity or a rules decision interrupts your hole, remain composed-request distance measurement (flag to ball) if necessary and use the delay to visualize the new stroke. For different learning styles and abilities, offer multiple practice protocols: visual learners use video feedback of strokes, kinesthetic learners perform 50 reps of the same chip or putt to build feel, and analytical players log data (landing spot, rollout, left/right error) aiming for 70% consistency within target zones. when the Rules Guy raises the question “Can volcano cups be fixed without penalty?” the practical takeaway for golfers is clear: know the procedures, manage the shot to avoid the lip, and use targeted drills to convert the situations that remain into pars rather than rulings or penalties.
Technical feasibility: can volcano cups be repaired safely without affecting performance
Course managers and players alike have been assessing the technical feasibility of repairing so‑called “volcano” cups – inserts or raised rims around the hole that alter ball behaviour – and early consensus is that safe repair is possible but requires specialized procedure and oversight. Newsroom-style examination shows the key requirement is that the hole be restored to the standard dimensions used in competition: a cup diameter of approximately 108 mm (4.25 in) and a perfectly flush lip with the putting surface. In practice, course staff should measure the cup, remove any raised plug material, ensure the inside edge is smooth, and re-seat the cup so the top of the cup is within ±1 mm of the green surface to avoid a change in roll. As “technical” work of this kind needs specialist skill (technical: having special, practical knowledge), the repair should be carried out by trained turf staff or equipment technicians to preserve true roll and pace.
From a putting-instruction perspective, even a minimal change in rim height or edge contour can change aim and speed judgment, so players must adapt immediately when a cup has been repaired or when encountering a temporary “volcano” condition. Coaches should teach a two-point routine: first,establish a consistent pre‑putt routine (alignment,stroke length,and tempo),then verify green speed by stroking a short test putt across the repaired hole. Practice drills useful for all levels include:
- Raised‑rim simulation drill – place a 3-5 mm coin edge just outside the hole to practice cutting speed and target lines;
- Gate control drill – use tees to create a gate the width of a putter head to ensure square impact and reduce face rotation;
- Distance ladder - putt to targets at 6, 12, and 18 feet aiming to finish within 6 inches of the target on 80% of attempts.
These drills emphasize speed control and strike quality so golfers can compensate if the repaired cup influences the last inch of roll.
Short‑game technique and swing mechanics must also be adjusted when the ball approaches a cup that has been altered or recently repaired.For chips and pitch shots inside 30 yards, players should target a landing zone of 1-2 club lengths past the hole to use green slope and reduce the chance of a ball jam‑back off the rim. For higher lofted shots (pitching wedge, sand wedge) use an attack angle that produces a controlled landing – typically a shallow descending blow with an effective dynamic loft around 28°-34° on chips and 40°-52° on full pitch shots – to reduce unpredictable bounce. Correctable mistakes include: swinging too steep (causes excessive spin and backspin bounce) and picking an aim directly at the cup (increases rim contact). To fix these, practice the following:
- Landing‑spot practice – place a towel or coin at the landing point to groove consistent trajectory;
- Low‑trajectory chip repeat – hit 30 shots with a half swing and focus on forward shaft lean at impact to reduce pop and backspin;
- Spin control sets – alter ball position and face angle to learn how different spin rates react to raised edges.
Because course repair actions have rules implications, players should follow clear procedural steps on the course. If a player encounters a “volcano” cup or sees a cup repaired mid‑round, Rules Guy guidance suggests immediately notifying the committee or starter and asking whether the hole is being treated as an abnormal course condition. Until the Committee issues a decision, play the ball as it lies but mark and measure any game‑affecting anomaly.In match play, ask the Committee or referee for clarification and record the ruling; in stroke play, the Committee may issue a local rule or order play from a temporary hole. Practical on‑course strategy in the interim: avoid aggressive putts that risk rim contact, favor putts with momentum to reach the cup, and when in doubt play the safer chip or putt to a 3‑foot tap to protect your score.
equipment, maintenance coordination, and practice planning form the operational backbone that preserves performance when cups are repaired. Equipment checks should include verifying putter face loft (typical modern putter lofts are 2°-4°) and ensuring ball surfaces are clean to maintain predictable roll. Coaches should assign measurable goals: reduce three‑putts from greens with recent repairs by 30% over four weeks,or improve landing‑spot consistency to within 12 inches for 80% of chip shots from 20 yards. Routine drills and checkpoints include:
- Warm‑up putts across the repaired hole to assess pace;
- Short‑game sessions focused on controlled landing and spin;
- Mental rehearsal for conservative decision‑making when green conditions are inconsistent.
By combining precise maintenance standards, targeted practice drills, and clear communication with the Committee, volcano cups can be repaired safely without degrading play – and golfers of every level can adjust technique and course management to protect scoring outcomes.
Competitive integrity: when allowing repairs creates an unfair advantage
In tournament play, the fine line between repair and unfair advantage frequently enough hinges on intent and affect; as Rules Guy recently discussed regarding “volcano” cups, restoring a damaged hole can inadvertently change hole depth or edge geometry and thus alter the target. Practically, players should adopt a conservative decision flow: first, stop play and call the committee if the cup appears altered; second, avoid manipulating the holethird, document the condition with a photo or witness if possible. From an instructional perspective,coaches should train students to treat any abnormal cup as an extra tactical variable – not as an opportunity to attempt a low-percentage hole-out - and to favor controlled,percentage-based shots (chip or lag putt) that reduce variance and respect the Rules’ intent to protect competitive integrity.
Putting technique must adapt when course features are compromised. Begin with fundamentals: square the putter face to within 1-2 degrees at setup, maintain a shaft lean of roughly 2-4 degrees forward to control launch, and use a shoulder-driven stroke to keep the putter on the intended arc. For green reading, quantify the slope when possible – subtle breaks are often 1-3 degrees on course charts – and aim earlier on downhill or grain-affected lines. For practical drills:
- Gate drill: place tees to enforce a square face through impact; repeat 50 strokes focusing on face alignment.
- Speed ladder: practice 5, 10, 20 and 30-foot putts to a target to calibrate pace; record make percentage and reduce three-putts by 20% in four weeks.
- Pressure simulation: perform 10 consecutive 3-footers for par/save under match conditions to train routine and decision-making.
When a hole is unreliable, the short game becomes the primary scoring engine; players should emphasize trajectory control, loft management, and bounce awareness. For a bump-and-run, use a 7-4 iron type stroke with the ball back in stance and a minimal wrist hinge (approximately 20-30 degrees) so the leading edge interacts cleanly with the turf. For high-flop shots,open the clubface 10-20 degrees with a sand wedge (54°-58°) and accelerate through impact to avoid chunking; keep feet no wider than shoulder width to stabilize. Troubleshooting list:
- If the ball flies too low, increase wrist hinge and open face slightly; if it balloons, reduce loft and accelerate.
- If you consistently hit fat chips, move ball slightly back and ensure weight is 60% on lead foot at impact.
- When the cup area is distorted, prefer chips that release to within 2-3 feet rather than risky attempts to hole out.
Long-game and course management adjustments complement short-game priorities. Measured strategy is essential: when faced with an irregular cup or a potential committee repair, choose clubs and lines that minimize recovery difficulty - for example, lay up to leave a 35-50 yard approach for which you have a reliable wedge distance rather than trying a heroic tee shot into a compromised green. Technical drills for shot-shaping include: 50-ball sequences alternating draw/fade with face-to-path changes of 3-5 degrees, and alignment-stick work to practice aim points. Set measurable weekly goals such as reducing proximity to hole on approach shots by 10 yards and increasing fairways hit by 5%, which translate directly to fewer arduous recovery shots around irregular cups.
preserve competitive integrity through etiquette, rules awareness, and practice habits. As Rules Guy observed, the committee typically bears obligation for repair or replacement of a damaged hole; therefore, do not self-serve repairs that could alter play. Coaches should incorporate scenario-based decision drills into lessons: simulate finding a “volcano” cup and practice the countdown – assess, call, play the safest shot – to build automatic, rule-compliant responses.Setup checkpoints for all levels include:
- Address fundamentals: stance width, ball position, and grip pressure (light-to-moderate) before every short-game shot.
- Pre-shot routine: a 6-8 second sequence to read the lie, choose landing spot, and visualize the finish.
- Post-shot audit: record outcomes and adjust practice focus weekly, mixing technical reps with decision-making practice.
By combining technical precision, situational course strategy, and strict adherence to rules guidance, golfers from beginners to low handicappers can protect competitive fairness while improving measurable aspects of their play.
Recommended procedures: step by step protocols for on site cup repairs to avoid penalties
When a damaged cup is discovered on the putting surface, the first and most important action is notify the committee or course staff immediately and mark your ball – do not touch the cup or surrounding turf. Rules Guy advises that while minor repairs to the green (such as ball marks or spike marks) are permitted by players, the cup itself is part of the course and repair work should generally be performed by the committee or greenstaff to avoid potential penalty or dispute. For reference, ensure course staff restore the hole to standard dimensions: a diameter of 4.25 inches (108 mm) and a depth of approximately 4 inches (100 mm), and keep records of any temporary hole placement; these facts are critical if a rules question later arises. transitioning from notification to containment preserves the status quo and limits any player exposure to a rules breach while giving the course an opportunity to act professionally and transparently.
Once authorized personnel begin on-site repair, follow a clear, step-by-step protocol to keep the operation lawful and repeatable. First,have one player mark and lift the ball or place a replacement ball on the nearest spot of complete relief if the original lies on the green; maintain the original hole location with a visible marker. Next, the greenstaff should remove the flagstick and any loose debris, then use a cup-lifter and replacement liner; if a liner is unavailable, use a properly fitted temporary cup that matches the 4.25-inch diameter. level the cup so the rim is flush with the putting surface and tamp the surrounding soil to restore firmness – avoid over-compression that creates a raised lip.To assist field crews, keep this checklist handy:
- Tools: cup lifter, spare liner/cup, tamping tool, measuring gauge (108 mm), soil/sand for backfill.
- Tolerance: rim flush within ±2 mm of the green surface; vertical alignment within a few degrees to avoid a sloped lip.
- Documentation: record time, players present, and any temporary hole placement.
Following these steps minimizes the chance of a rules infraction and maintains consistent putting conditions for all competitors.
Repair decisions have direct short-game consequences, so integrate targeted practice routines to adapt quickly to repaired or temporarily placed holes. begin with distance-control drills from 3, 8 and 20 feet to re-calibrate speed after a hole change, and add a drill simulating a temporary hole offset by 6-12 inches to train aim and breakpoint recognition.suggested practice drills:
- “Clock-putt” – putt to a single hole from 3, 6, 9 and 12 feet; goal: 80% success at 3-6 ft within two weeks.
- “Offset target” – place a coin 6-12 inches from the hole and practice lag putts to stop within a 3-inch radius.
- Chip-and-putt sequence – from 15-25 yards, chip to a spot and two-putt; measure up-and-down success over 20 attempts.
These drills benefit all levels: beginners will gain feel and confidence, mid-handicappers can reduce three-putts, and low-handicappers can fine-tune speed control for tournament play.
Technique adjustments are equally important when the cup geometry or location changes. For putting, emphasize a square putter face at impact and a pendulum stroke; check setup fundamentals: stance width about shoulder-width, eyes over the ball, and a slight forward press so weight is roughly 55-60% on the lead foot. For stroke mechanics, aim for a controlled backswing of 6-12 inches for short putts and 18-36 inches for longer lag attempts, keeping the putter path on a consistent arc or straight-back/straight-through according to your stroke.Common mistakes include lifting the head too soon (fix with mirror or video feedback) and excessive wrist breakdown (fix with a short-arm drill). For pitch and chip shots around a repaired hole, use a slightly more conservative trajectory – a 30-45° launch angle with controlled spin is often safer than aggressive flop shots near an uncertain cup edge. Practice these specific mechanics:
- Gate drill for putter path (use tees to create a narrow corridor).
- One-handed chipping to train body rotation and reduce wrist action.
- Landing-spot drills that require holding a chosen patch of green from 30-60 yards.
Each drill links directly to better scoring by improving consistency into and around the hole.
adopt course-management and psychological strategies for play when repairs are ongoing or when a volcano-type lip has been reported. According to Rules Guy, if a raised lip exists, players should seek a ruling and accept any committee decisions on temporary hole placement; simultaneously occurring, adjust tactics: aim for the largest safe area of the green, play conservatively to avoid risky putts that could be affected by an uneven rim, and choose a club that allows a margin for error (such as, a hybrid rather of a long iron into a green with a suspect cup).Set measurable goals such as reducing aggressive putts inside 12 feet by 30% over six weeks and track performance on repaired greens separately. For different learning styles and abilities, offer two approaches: a technical route (video analysis, alignment aids, quantified drills) and a feel route (repetition, touch drills, and simulated pressure situations). Combining these approaches preserves competitive integrity, reduces penalty exposure, and ties individual technique improvements directly to lower scores and smarter play under variable course conditions.
Policy changes ahead: how clearer rulebooks could prevent future volcano cup disputes
When an irregularity such as a raised or “volcano” cup appears on the green, tournament committees and everyday players alike need clearer guidance to avoid disputes and protect scoring integrity. Rules Guy advises that whether a cup may be adjusted without penalty hinges on who makes the change and whether a Local Rule or Committee decision authorizes relief; in general,players should not modify a hole or its lip themselves because that can be treated as deliberately altering conditions and may incur a penalty under the Rules of Golf. Consequently, golfers must learn practical on-course responses: if the cup lip affects the ball at rest or affects the line of play, call the Committee immediately for a ruling or temporary Local Rule. Meanwhile,treat the ground around the cup as an abnormal course condition for strategy – aim for conservative approaches that minimize reliance on the altered hole surface.
Technically, approach and full-swing adjustments limit short-game damage when hole conditions are uncertain. For longer clubs, emphasize setup fundamentals: square shoulders to the target line, a ball position of roughly 1-1.5 inches forward of center for mid-irons and 2 inches forward for hybrids/woods, and a shoulder turn of about 90° on the backswing. Use an alignment stick on the range to ingrain a square clubface at impact and set a measurable goal – for example, 75% of practice strikes with clubface within ±3° at impact as measured by a launch monitor or alignment tape. If the committee signals an unusual cup lip remains in play, shorten approach trajectories slightly by selecting one club more (or reduce swing length by 10-15%) to prioritize hitting a lower, more controlled flight that avoids unpredictable bounces near the hole.
Around the green, the presence of a volcano cup demands refined short-game technique and putting adjustments. First, for chips and pitches use the landing-spot method: identify a single landing point 2-4 yards from the hole and practice landing the ball on that spot so roll-out stays consistent despite lip irregularities. Second, on the putter stroke emphasize a square face and controlled tempo – a simple drill is the clock-face putting drill: from 3, 6 and 10 feet, make 10 putts at each distance aiming for an 80% conversion from 6 feet and 50% from 10 feet within four weeks.For players facing a cup with a raised lip, align slightly off the direct line and use a softer pace to reduce the chance of the ball snagging on the lip; if the ball is against the lip and the Committee permits relief, follow the official procedure - do not tamp, pry, or or else alter the hole yourself.
Course management and tactical decision-making change when the cup is suspect. When planning tee shots, favor a drive that leaves an approach angle away from the affected hole quadrant – as an example, if the volcano lip is on the left side of the hole, play to the right-center of the green to avoid an awkward left-to-right feed. Use yardage books and GPS to mark the safe landing zones; set a pre-shot routine that includes a quick contingency plan (e.g., “If I miss right, play a bump-and-run; if I miss left, pitch to 20-30 feet”). Equipment choices matter too: a higher-lofted approach (e.g., 56° wedge instead of 48°) can reduce run and increase spin, allowing you to hold a green and avoid unpredictable cup interactions. For competitive rounds, always confirm with the Committee whether a Local Rule offers free relief or an altered hole location to avoid penalties.
integrate measurable practice routines and mental-game techniques so players at every level can adapt quickly when anomalies appear. Start with simple checkpoints at setup – feet shoulder-width, 60-70% weight on lead foot, eyes directly over ball - and add troubleshooting steps: if shots fly right, close the face 1-2°; if they come up short, increase swing length by 10-15%. Practical drills include:
- Gate drill for putting to square the face (use tees spaced to allow a 2″ tolerance),
- landing-spot wedge repetitions (50 balls per session, counting how many land within a 2-yard circle),
- pressure simulations (play-mimic situations where a bad cup forces a conservative line – compete to see who can average lowest strokes-to-green over ten holes).
Also, cultivate a calm decision loop: identify the lie, call for a ruling if needed, choose the conservative play, and execute with a one-breath routine. By combining clear Rules awareness with measurable setup checks, targeted drills, and adaptive course strategy, golfers can reduce the risk that a single irregular cup will derail a round or spark a dispute.
Q&A
Rules Guy: Can “volcano” cups be fixed without penalty?
By Rules Guy – Q&A in the News Style
What is a “volcano” cup?
– The term refers to a cup whose rim or liner has been pushed up above the level of the putting green, creating a raised, volcano‑like lip. It can happen after frost heave, turf repairs, vandalism or a poorly seated cup liner.The condition can affect how a ball behaves near or in the hole.
Is a player allowed to fix the cup during a round?
– Short answer: not on their own. Players should not alter the course in a way that might improve their lie, line or area of intended stance. Fixing or pressing down a cup could be viewed as improving conditions and risks a rules breach unless directed by a committee or authorized official.
Could a player be penalized for trying to fix it?
– Yes. If a player deliberately changes the condition of the course to make play easier, that action can lead to a penalty. The exact sanction depends on the governing body and the circumstances, which is why involving an official is crucial.
What should a player do if they encounter a “volcano” cup?
– Stop play and mark the position of the ball (if it’s on the green). Notify the rules official or the competition committee immediately. Do not attempt to repair or alter the cup yourself. Play should resume only after the committee issues instructions or a ruling.
Can the committee fix the cup? What are the options?
– Yes. The committee can repair the hole or change the hole location (move the cup) when necessary. They may also implement a local rule to allow relief for abnormal course conditions. If repair is made, the committee will provide guidance on how to proceed with the ball – such as, allowing free relief if the abnormal condition interfered with the lie or the line of play.
If my ball comes to rest on the raised rim, what happens?
– That depends on the ruling. If the ball is at rest on or against an abnormal course condition, the player might potentially be entitled to free relief under the rules governing abnormal course conditions - but only if the committee determines the feature is abnormal and interference exists. That determination and the relief procedure should be made by the committee or an official.
What if the ball falls into the cup after a player or someone else tampers with it?
– Any movement caused by a player’s actions that altered the course may complicate the ruling and can lead to a penalty. If a spectator,course staff or weather causes the ball to move,different rules apply. This is another reason to get an official involved before anyone touches the cup.
Are there quick, practical steps players can follow on the course?
– Yes. 1) do not touch the cup. 2) Mark and leave the ball as is if possible. 3) Notify a rules official or the competition committee at the earliest opportunity. 4) Follow the committee’s ruling before playing the next stroke.
Where can players find the official guidance?
– Consult the Rules of Golf and any tournament-specific local rules administered by the committee. When in doubt on the course, seek a ruling – it’s the fastest way to avoid inadvertent penalties.
Bottom line
– “Volcano” cups are an abnormal course issue best handled by the committee. Players should avoid repairing the hole themselves and call for an official ruling to determine whether free relief, hole repair, or another remedy applies.
Bottom line: whether a “volcano” cup can be adjusted without penalty is not a matter of common sense but of specific rules and timing. In many competitions, minor equipment faults corrected before play resumes – and that do not confer a competitive advantage – are treated differently from in-play alterations that affect the contest.Ultimately, the on-ice/field/table official or tournament director, guided by the sport’s written regulations, has the authority to rule.
For competitors and officials alike, the practical takeaway is simple: stop play, call for an official, and cite the relevant rulebook before touching the setup. That preserves fairness and reduces disputes.Tournament organizers should also clarify their preferred handling of such incidents in advance to avoid inconsistent enforcement.
Rules Guy will continue to examine these borderline situations and translate rulebook language into clear, actionable guidance. If you have a rules puzzle you want answered, send it to the rules Guy column or consult your sport’s official regulations and tournament referee for a binding ruling.
