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Can caddies stand behind players?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 13, 2026

Current Rule: Under Rule 14-2b: ➢ When a player is taking a stance, the player's caddie is allowed to stand behind to help the player line up to the target and confirm that the player is correctly aligned.

What can a caddy not do?

The player or caddie must not set an object down anywhere on or off the putting green to show the line of play. This is not allowed even if that object is removed before the stroke is made.

Are you allowed to stand behind someone putting?

When it comes to reading a putt's break, members of a four-ball team may stand nearly anywhere on the green to watch a partner putt, with one exception: They're not allowed to stand on or close to an extension of the player's line of putt behind the ball (Rule 14-2b).

Can you stand behind your partner in golf?

No one can help the player with his alignment for the stroke. This is an essential skill which the player must do for himself. A caddie is NO longer allowed to stand behind the player to help with alignment.

What is a caddy allowed to do?

The player may have a caddie carry his clubs and have additional people carry items other than clubs like a rain suit, cap, umbrella or food and beverage. The additional people would be considered outside agencies, and any items carried by them would also be considered outside agencies while in their possession.

31 related questions found

Can caddies give advice to other players?

10.3 Caddies. Purpose of Rule: The player may have a caddie to carry the player's clubs and give advice and other help during the round, but there are limits to what the caddie is allowed to do. The player is responsible for the caddie's actions during the round and will get a penalty if the caddie breaches the Rules.

Can a caddie line up a player?

Current Rule: Under Rule 14-2b: ➢ When a player is taking a stance, the player's caddie is allowed to stand behind to help the player line up to the target and confirm that the player is correctly aligned.

Can caddies stand behind golf?

New Rule: Under Rule 10.2b(4): The previous prohibition is extended so that, once the player begins taking a stance for the stroke, and until the stroke is made, the player's caddie must not deliberately stand on or close to an extension of the line of play behind the ball for any reason.

Can you switch caddies?

The choice of a golf caddie may not rank as important as the selection of a wartime president (although some pro golfers might disagree on that point), but changing caddies during a golf competition can obviously be disruptive. Nevertheless, a player is typically permitted to change caddies during a round.

Can you legally stand behind the ball to putt?

The USGA and the R&A took notice and, effective January 1, 1968, introduced Rule 35-1L (now Rule16-1e) that stated “The player shall not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of the putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.”

Should your elbows touch your body when putting?

Interlace your fingers, clasping your hands in front of you. Then, get into your putting posture, and place your hands over your belly button, your elbows bent outward at 45 degrees. Keeping your lower body quiet, engage your core muscles and use them to rock your arms and shoulders back and forth.

Can you stand behind your opponents putt?

Rules of Golf explained: Our expert says…

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Hughie but, though it might feel wrong, there is nothing in the Rules to stop a fellow competitor, or opponent, standing wherever they like – even if that means they're behind you tracking the exact line of your putt.

Where should a partner stand when putting?

Instead of standing directly in front of or behind your partner, stand slightly off to the side so you're out of her peripheral vision. Once she has hit her putt, you can start moving toward your ball. Players should also avoid standing so their shadow crosses the line between another player's ball and the hole.

Do you need to know golf to be a caddy?

Caddies need to know all golfing terminology and the rules of the game. They also need to know all of the golf equipment and clubs necessary. It does not matter whether they are caddying at a local country club or for a pro golfer at a PGA tournament.

How much do you tip a caddie?

For a forecaddie, about $20 to $25 per player. For a caddie toting just your bag -- around $40 to $50 -- a little less for a double bag because the other player should be tipping said caddie, too. But if you want to be safe, don't be afraid to ask the head pro or director of golf.

Can a caddie take the ball out of the hole?

The player's caddie is allowed to mark and lift the player's ball on the putting green any time the player is allowed to do so, without needing authorization. The caddie continues to be allowed to replace the player's ball only if the caddie was the one who had lifted or moved the ball.

Can you change caddies during a round of golf?

Decision 6-4/8 holds that golfers playing in the same competition at different times can caddie for each other. They can also change, hire or fire a looper mid-round. There is one no-no: temporarily exchanging caddies to get advice.

Can a caddie touch the green?

No advantage is gained if a player or his or her caddie merely touches the surface of the putting green on the line where the ball will be played.

Where do caddies stand?

It states: “When a player begins taking a stance for the stroke and until the stroke is made, the player's caddie must not deliberately stand in a location on or close to the player's line of play behind the ball for any reason.

Why do caddies stand over the putting line?

Usually this leeway is used to repair inconsistencies in the green, but for the purposes of 'AimPoint,' the player is encouraged to stand on or straddle the line in order to determine which way the putt will break, in addition to deciphering how severe the slope is.

Can a caddie touch the ball?

7. Caddies should not touch a player's ball unless instructed by the player. 8. Caddies should carry a damp towel to clean clubs and balls 9.

Can caddies give advice in Ryder Cup?

Per the agreement: Team Captains may give advice and other help as allowed under Rule 10.2 to players or caddies on the team during a round and may be asked for advice by players or caddies on the team. Advice must be given in person and not via radio, telephone or other electronic means.

What is the penalty for giving advice in golf?

There is no penalty when an authorized party gives advice, but "the player should take action to stop this irregular procedure." He would incur a two-stroke penalty in stroke play if he allowed such advice to be given again.

How much do caddies get paid?

A caddie on the PGA Tour receives a base salary — usually around $1,000 to $2,000 — to cover travel expenses. He will earn 5% of the winnings if his golfer finishes outside of the top 10 and 7% of the winnings for a top-10 finish. The caddie earns 10% of winnings when his golfer wins a tournament.

Can you walk in the line of your putt?

Current Rule: Under Rule 16-1a, when a player's ball is on the putting green: ➢ The player is generally prohibited from touching his or her line of putt. ➢ But there are seven exceptions (such as when removing loose impediments or movable obstructions, when lifting or replacing a ball, when repairing ball marks, etc.).