Walk the Line

Following the rules, and proper etiquette, on the putting green

Dear North Shore Golf,
Is it OK to read the line of another’s person’s putt by standing behind them on the green?
Last season I was playing with a guy who was always standing behind me while I was putting, especially if it would help him get a read on his putt. I mentioned to someone else in our foursome that it was driving me crazy, but he told me that there was no rule against him standing there and that it was an ethics issue.
I asked the guy to stop doing it and he said he would try, but it was not against the rules and that if it was going to help him with his putt he would still exercise his right to do it.
Was this guy breaking the rules or just being ignorant?
– D.M., Wakefield, Mass..

North Shore Golf asked Beverly Golf & Tennis Club head pro Tom Smith:

Dear D.M.,

Although it is a breach of etiquette there is no penalty. The provisions of Rule 14-2 apply only to a player’s caddie, partner, or partner’s caddie. 

Although there is no penalty for standing in the player’s line, there may be a penalty or disqualification for breach of etiquette. Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb them by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise. On the green, players should not stand on another player’s line when they are making a stroke, or cast a shadow over another player’s line of putt. Remember, the line of putt starts in the center of the golf ball and travels straight back from the ball and straight through the center of your target for infinity. It’s OK to move behind the player after he or she has stroked the ball if this helps you see the line, but only after the ball is on its way to the hole. 

The head pro or rules committee would most likely disqualify this player for breach of etiquette if he chose to continue to stand in your line after being asked not to. The best place for a player to stand on the putting green while other players are putting is towards the player’s back or out of a player’s peripheral vision. This will ensure that a player has no distractions. 

Happy Golfing,

Tom Smith, Beverly Golf & Tennis