(a) If the damage is such that the proper dimensions of the hole have not been changed materially, the player should continue play without repairing the hole.

If he touches the hole in such circumstances, for example removing a chunk of grass that is still attached, the player has breached Rule 16-1a.   He incurs a two stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play.

(b) If the proper dimensions of the hole have been changed materially, the player should request the Committee to have the hole repaired. If a member of the Committee is not readily available, the player may repair the damage, without penalty.