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Can you stand behind a golfer when he is putting 2019?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 17, 2026

At the moment the player begins to take his stance, the caddie must not deliberately stand directly behind the player. The penalty is two strokes in stroke play. There is one exception which applies only on the Putting Green.

Can you stand behind a golfer when he is 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 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 you stand while someone else is 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.

Can you putt standing behind the ball?

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.”

16 related questions found

Can I stand on my putting line?

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.).

Is side putting legal?

The side saddle putting is 100% legal for any golf tournament in the world. Putting face-on with the GP putter is 100% legal in any golf tournament. The putting stroke (technique) that you see in the videos is again 100% legal.

Why do pro golfers take their glove off to putt?

Golfers take off their gloves to putt to improve the feel of their club. A glove increases your grip on the club, but not when putting and if your glove is hot and sweaty from playing, this can cause your putter to slip out of your hands, and it's more comfortable putting gloveless.

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.

What is the first basic etiquette rule in golf?

Whatever your groups' unique rules are, make them clear and make sure everyone understands before you begin. There are several golf etiquette practices that are universal: Lowest score on the previous hole tees off first. Player furthest from the hole goes first.

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.

Are you allowed to mark your golf ball?

Rules of golf do not compel you to add any markings on your golf ball. However, it is highly recommended in Rule 6-3a that states: “The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball.”

Can you straddle your putting line in golf?

When addressing a putt, the player can't straddle the line or place either foot directly on the line or an extension of the line behind the ball. Exception: There's no penalty if the player does this inadvertently or to avoid stepping on another golfer's line.

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 practice putting after finishing a hole?

Sometimes when you watch golfers compete in match play on TV, you'll see them practice putting after a hole ends. And, under the Rules of Golf, a golfer is allowed to drop a ball or two on the green after a hole is finished and work on their stroke.

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 a caddie indicate the line of play by touching the putting surface?

Reasons for Change: 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.

Can you ask another golfer what club they used?

When you asked your fellow competitor what club he just hit, you are asking for advice and consequently you are in violation of the rule. The penalty for breach of the rule is two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play.

Can a caddie give advice?

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.

Why do they shout 4 in golf?

Fore is the shout that is traditionally used in golf to warn other golfers on the course that you have mishit your shot and it could potentially be heading in their direction in order to give them a warning so they can make themselves safe.

Can you carry 2 putters in your bag?

According to the USGA and R&A rules, you can have two putters in your bag when playing a professional round of golf provided the total number doesn't exceed 14.

Why do golfers take their hats off when shaking hands?

The simple act of taking off your hat or visor and shaking your playing partner's hand is the way it's always been done and the way it always should be. It's a sign of respect and friendship for the other player, even in defeat.

Is belly putter legal?

Belly putters and long putters remain completely legal to use, so long as they are conforming to equipment rules. What Rule 10.1b addresses is the stroke, not the club being used to make the stroke. So if you putt with a belly putter or long putter, the anchoring ban does not require you to stop doing that.

Are free standing putters legal?

Self-standing putters are completely legal 'to assist a player in taking a stance or to point out the line of play only when the putter is placed right next to the ball,' the USGA said in a statement per Golfweek.