Standing back on the tee, you're admiring your shot on your favorite par-3 hole as it heads straight into the heart of the green. Even those in your playing group are giving you kudos for such a great shot.
As you approach the green, however, you see it- where your ball stopped is not too far from the greenside bunker. As a result, there is sand all over the green, right in the line of what will be your birdie putt.
The situation begs the question: May I remove sand and/or loose soil on the putting green?
Yes, you can! Under Rule 13.1 c(1), sand and loose soil may be removed on the putting green. Keep in mind, though, if you remove sand or loose soil anywhere else on the course, you'll receive a general penalty (you may not improve the conditions affecting your next stroke--this means to improve your lie, area of intended stance, area of intended swing, or line of play) when doing so.
Back to the green. There, during a round and while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, a player may take these two actions on the putting green, no matter whether the ball is on or off the green:
By using their hand, foot or other part of the body or a normal ball-mark repair tool, tee, club or similar item of normal equipment, and
Without unreasonably delaying play (see Rule 5.6a).
But if the player improves the putting green by taking actions that exceed what is reasonable to restore the putting green to its original condition (such as by creating a pathway to the hole or by using an object that is not allowed), the player gets the general penalty for breach of Rule 8.1a.
“Damage on the putting green” means any damage caused by any person (including the player) or outside influence, such as:
Ball marks, shoe damage (such as spike marks) and scrapes or indentations caused by equipment or a flagstick,
Old hole plugs, turf plugs, seams of cut turf and scrapes or indentations from maintenance tools or vehicles,
Animal tracks or hoof indentations, and
Embedded objects (such as a stone, acorn, hail or tee) and indentations caused by them.
But “damage on the putting green” does not include any damage or conditions that result from:
Normal practices for maintaining the overall condition of the putting green (such as aeration holes and grooves from vertical mowing),
Irrigation or rain or other natural forces,
Natural surface imperfections (such as weeds or areas of bare, diseased or uneven growth), or
Natural wear of the hole.