Fringe
The fringe is the narrow ring of grass around the green, cut between green and fairway height.
The fringe, in German usually called fringe or apron, surrounds the green as a transition zone. The grass stands slightly higher than on the green but clearly lower than in the Semi-Rough behind it. Rule-wise the fringe does not belong to the green: you may not mark, pick up and clean your ball there, and irregularities on the line may not be removed. In playing terms it is the friendliest lie off the green, because the ball almost always lies cleanly.
In practice you have the free choice of weapon on the fringe. An example: your approach remains two metres in front of the green edge, the flag stands twelve metres away. You can putt if the grass is short and the surface even — you calculate the first metre somewhat firmer. Alternatively a chip with an iron 8 or 9 lends itself, which brings the ball early onto the green and lets it roll. Some players even reach for the Texas Wedge here, thus the putter from a greater distance, when the surface in between is cut completely short.
The typical mistake is the wrong green assumption. Many believe the fringe belongs to the green and mark the ball — that is a rule violation. A second misconception: the ball on the fringe does not necessarily have to be chipped. Often the putt is the safer choice because it keeps the error area small. Decide according to grass condition and your strength, not according to habit. Anyone who wants to get to know the transition zones of a facility before the round finds practice areas around the Putting Green.
FAQ
Should I putt or chip from the fringe?
You decide that according to grass condition and your strength, not according to habit. If the grass is short and the surface even, the putt is often the safest choice — you calculate the first metre somewhat firmer, because the higher grass brakes. Alternatively a chip with iron 8 or 9 brings the ball early onto the green and lets it roll.
May I mark and pick up my ball on the fringe?
No, because the fringe does not belong to the green rule-wise — a widespread error. You may neither mark the ball there nor pick it up and clean it, and irregularities on your line may not be removed. Anyone who marks anyway commits a rule violation.
Must I always take the wedge from the fringe?
No, the fringe is the friendliest lie off the green, because the ball almost always lies cleanly — you have free choice. Some players even reach for the Texas wedge here, thus the putter from a greater distance, when the surface in between is cut completely short. The putter keeps the error area small and is for many the calmest option.