Repairing pitch mark OFF the green

[nicknickster]

Hi everyone.
I know I can repair pitch marks on the green but how about off the green?
The other day my pitch landed 6 inches off the green and the ball fell out of its pitch mark which was pretty much the size and shape of half a ball. I needed to putt straight over the huge pitch mark I had made. Can I repair it or is that improving my lie?
Would it be different if it was my pitch mark or an old one?
Thanks!
Nick

 

[Foxholer]

Improving your lie I'm afraid.

No difference between your one and an old one. Can't repair I'm afraid.

There is 1 situation where you are allowed to repair a pitch-mark that is off the green, but it is so unlikely that it's only worth mentioning as info. If you are standing near your ball - close enough to see what has happened rather than just assuming - and another ball comes in and makes a pitch-mark on your line, then you may repair that one - as you are entitled to the lie/conditions as at when your ball came to rest.

 

[backwoodsman]

Off the green - even on the fringe - it would be improving the line of play contrary to rule 13. Doesn't matter whether its your pitch mark or an old one.

Foxholer beat me by a whisker...

 

[palindromicbob]

Nope. Can only repair it after you've played and it is no longer on your line. Rule 13-2

You can repair pitch marks on the green regardless of where your ball is.

Edit: beat into third

 

[atticusfinch]

[h=2]13-2/8[/h][h=4]Player's Lie or Line of Play Affected by Pitch-Mark Made by Partner's, Opponent's or Fellow-Competitor's Ball[/h]Q.A player's lie or line of play through the green is affected by a pitch-mark made by his partner's, his opponent's or a fellow-competitor's ball. Is the player entitled to relief?
A.If the pitch-mark was there before the player's ball came to rest, he is not entitled to relief without penalty.
If the pitch-mark was created after the player's ball came to rest, in equity (Rule 1-4), he may repair the pitch-mark. A player is entitled to the lie which his stroke gave him.