Putting over ice

[JonT]

During a winter round I had the opportunity to make a short put over a frozen puddle. The ice was perfectly smooth. Before I could take my putt one of my opponents duly smashed up the puddle meaning I had to move my ball to a very undulating part of the green. Was my opponent allowed to do that? Wasn't I permitted to putt over ice?

 

[rulefan]

1-2. Exerting Influence on Movement of Ball or Altering Physical Conditions

A player must not (i) take an action with the intent to influence the movement of a ball in play or (ii) alter physical conditions with the intent of affecting the playing of a hole.


*Penalty for Breach of Rule 1-2:

Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

*In the case of a serious breach of Rule 1-2, the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification.


Note 1: A player is deemed to have committed a serious breach of Rule 1-2 if the Committee considers that the action taken in breach of this Rule has allowed him or another player to gain a significant advantage or has placed another player, other than his partner, at a significant disadvantage.