The fringe, also called the collar or apron, is the strip of slightly longer grass that surrounds the putting green. From the fringe, the best shot is usually the simplest one that gets the ball rolling on the green as soon as possible. If the grass between your ball and the green is short and even, putt it. If the ball is sitting down or the grass is thicker, use a low chip or bump and run with a less-lofted club such as a 7-, 8- or 9-iron, or a hybrid. Save higher-lofted wedges for when you need to carry the fringe or rough and stop the ball quickly. Many strokes are saved around the green simply by choosing the lowest-risk option.
This guide explains the main fringe shot options, how to choose between them, technique for each, the rules that apply to the fringe, practice drills and common mistakes.
Your options from the fringe
| Shot | Club | Best when | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putt | Putter | Fringe grass is short and even, ball sits up | Lowest |
| Bump and run | 7-, 8- or 9-iron | Some distance to the hole, need to carry a little fringe | Low |
| Hybrid or fairway wood chip | Hybrid or fairway wood | Ball sitting down against thicker collar grass | Low to medium |
| Bellied wedge | Sand wedge, struck with the leading edge at the ball’s equator | Ball resting against the collar of rough | Medium |
| Pitch or lob | Pitching, gap or lob wedge | Need to carry an obstacle and stop the ball quickly | Highest |
How to choose
A simple rule many coaches use is: putt when you can, chip when you can’t putt, and pitch only when you must. A rolling ball is easier to control than one in the air, and a mishit putt usually ends up much closer than a mishit chip. Look at the lie, the length and direction of the grass, how much green you have to work with, and any slopes. If the fringe is wet, shaggy or grainy, a putt may bounce or grab, so a low chip is often safer.
Putting from the fringe
- Use your normal putting setup.
- Hit slightly firmer than a normal putt of the same length to account for the longer grass.
- Pick a spot where the ball will leave the fringe and roll onto the green.
- Keep the putter low through impact so the ball rolls smoothly.
Bump and run technique
- Choose a lower-lofted iron: a 7-, 8- or 9-iron.
- Set up like a putt: narrow stance, ball slightly back of centre, weight slightly on the front foot.
- Grip down: choke down on the club for control.
- Use a putting-style stroke: rock your shoulders with little wrist action.
- Land it just on the green: let it roll the rest of the way to the hole.
The bellied wedge
When your ball rests against the thicker grass where the fringe meets the rough, the putter face can snag in the grass. A bellied wedge uses a sand wedge held like a putter, with the leading edge striking the ball at its middle. This makes the ball roll like a putt while the club glides over the thick grass. It takes practice but is a useful tool for awkward lies.
Rules on the fringe
Under the Rules of Golf, the fringe is part of the general area, not the putting green. That means you cannot mark, lift and clean your ball on the fringe as you can on the green, and you cannot repair damage on the fringe the way you can on the green. However, if your ball is on the fringe, you may still choose to putt, and there is no penalty if your ball hits the flagstick from off the green or on it when the flagstick is left in. You may remove loose impediments such as leaves.
Check the current Rules of Golf from the USGA and The R&A, and any local rules at your course, for exact details on the putting green, general area and relief options.
Practice drills
- Three-club drill: from the same spot, hit with a putter, 8-iron and wedge to see which ends closest.
- Landing spot drill: place a towel just on the green and practise landing chips on it.
- Ladder drill: putt from the fringe to targets at different distances.
- Collar drill: practise the bellied wedge from balls against the rough.
Common mistakes
- Always reaching for a lob wedge: more loft means more risk.
- Decelerating: slowing the club leads to chunked or short shots.
- Too much wrist: makes contact inconsistent.
- Ignoring the grain: grass direction changes how the ball rolls.
- Trying to lift the ball: let the club’s loft do the work.
Choosing a shot based on the lie
| Lie | Recommended shot |
|---|---|
| Ball sitting up on short fringe | Putt |
| Ball sitting down in the fringe | Bump and run with a mid-iron |
| Ball against the collar of rough | Bellied wedge or hybrid chip |
| Long fringe or wet grass | Low chip rather than a putt |
| Need to carry an obstacle | Pitch with a wedge |
Reading greens from the fringe
Read the green from the fringe just as you would a putt. Look for slopes, grain and speed, and decide where the ball should land and roll. From the fringe, the ball will slow slightly as it crosses the longer grass, so factor in a little extra pace. Walking the line and viewing from behind the ball and from the low side helps you see breaks more clearly.
Practising around the green
Many golfers spend more time on driving than on short game practice, even though most strokes are played close to the green. Set up practice sessions with different fringe lies and distances, and keep score to simulate pressure. Improving fringe play is one of the quickest ways to lower scores.
Common mistakes from the fringe
- Choosing a wedge by habit when a putt or bump and run would be safer and more consistent.
- Decelerating through the stroke, which causes chunked and short shots.
- Ignoring how the longer grass between the ball and the green will slow the ball down.
- Trying to scoop or lift the ball instead of letting the loft of the club do the work.
Fringe rules to know
Under the Rules of Golf, the fringe is part of the general area, not the putting green. That means you cannot mark, lift and clean your ball on the fringe the way you can on the green, unless a local rule or another rule allows it. You are still free to putt from the fringe with any club. Check the current Rules of Golf and any local rules posted by the course for specifics.
Frequently asked questions
Should I putt or chip from the fringe?
Putt when the grass is short and even. Chip when the ball is sitting down or the fringe is long, wet or grainy.
Can I mark my ball on the fringe?
No. The fringe is part of the general area, so you can only mark, lift and clean your ball once it is on the putting green.
What club is best for a bump and run?
A 7-, 8- or 9-iron is common, depending on how far the ball needs to roll.
