Caddies Lining up Putts

[User 105]

Just seen something on the re-run of the Africa Open I don't think I've seen before.

We've all seen caddies line up players putts for them before. Something I don't agree with.

But I've just seen Darren Clarkes caddie help him line up his ball. i.e. Caddie behind the ball, Darren standing next to it, rotating the ball so the line on it is in the right direction.

Darren steps up and knocks it in.

I've got no issues with discussing line of putts with the caddy, but it should be up to the player to step up, line it up and hit the thing.

Is it me or is this getting ridiculous ?

 

[Imurg]

Trouble is people are going to see this and do the same during their Sunday 4 ball.
You don't mind too much if its for a birdie but when they're 10 over handicap and putting for a 7 on the 18th it gets a bit much.

Although the caddy is there to help the player I think once they get to the green the caddy should take a back seat and just hold the flag. If a Pro of Clarkey's standing can't line up a putt then it may be time to call it a day.

 

[Swinger]

They probably had a talk about the exact line together from behind the ball before lining it up.
I'm guessing that darren wants to give putts from that type of length more attention for the time being.

It would be alot more annoying if he lined it up then had a look from behind and realised he needed to change it 20 times before he hit the putt. Think he might end up being put on the clock more often than not too.

I can't imagine it but if it was just the caddy lining the putt then it is like playing blind golf but not against the rules, they are a team out there.

 

[mono217]

This is really starting to do my head in they need to do it by themselves and thats that!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I really do think the powers that be need to outlaw this from both the mens and especially the womens game. Even a quick line up must add another 20-30 seconds per hole. Once you start getting the juniors and club wannabees doing it, four hour rounds will become 4 1/4 at the drop of a hat and no-one will say or do anything

On the other hand Clarke has admitted he's got putting problems so I guess he feels a touch fragile mentally and technically and so its probably no more than a comfort blanket type thing. Still think its all wrong though

 

[drawboy]

It's just not on, these guys are supposed to be professional players, if someone gives you a line then all you need to do is hit the correct speed and it's in,they should not need anyone to line up the putt for them. Ban the practice before it becomes widespread and accepted.

 

[TRS30]

What gets me is that when the caddies are virtually lying on the ground to line the putts up they are making indentations on the green. Depending on how hard the greens are they could still be there when the next group has to put.

Would you be happy having to put through one of those, especially if you knew/saw where it came from??

 

[Screwback]

If i was on playing on tour and having to hole putts for a living i would use every adavantage within the rules open to me and if that meant asking my caddie to line up putts my caddie would be asked.

Its not as bad on the mens tour as it is on the ladies tour!!!

 

[didsbury_duffer]

I agree with Mono - absolutely ridiculous, and the authorities should put a stop to it immediately. They'll be touching fingers after every shot next , like tennis players do in the doubles, and by God does that irritate the hell out of me.

 

[Fyldewhite]

I think there are two separate issues here. The caddie is there to assist you in any part of the game, to change that is changing something quite basic and traditional. Slow play on the other hand is a real problem and there are rules to deal with it (though if they are effective is debatable).

Overall I'd say they can do what they like within the rules so long as they get on with it and get round in reasonable time.

 

[TRS30]

Agree viscount17, ban caddies from the green. One of the players can take the flag out and put it back.

 

[viscount17]

what gets me is the number of people who find a reason to trample on the greens. players and one caddy to remove and replace the pin, the others have no need to be there.

one of the worst was Fanny a couple of years ago - taking giant strides, bag on back, to pace out the green for the following day's pin placement.

 

[drawboy]

What gets me is that when the caddies are virtually lying on the ground to line the putts up they are making indentations on the green.

If I did that they would have to fill it with sand and make a bunker out of it.

 

[Screwback]

What gets me is that when the caddies are virtually lying on the ground to line the putts up they are making indentations on the green. Depending on how hard the greens are they could still be there when the next group has to put.

Would you be happy having to put through one of those, especially if you knew/saw where it came from??

As i said i agree they should be able to help lining up but i am 110 percent against lying on the ground whether it be a player or a caddie it is totally inconsiderate to the players comming behind.

 

[TRS30]

If I did that they would have to fill it with sand and make a bunker out of it.

I definitely wouldn't be happy having to putt through a bunker

 

[algar5]

I agree with Mono - absolutely ridiculous, and the authorities should put a stop to it immediately. They'll be touching fingers after every shot next , like tennis players do in the doubles, and by God does that irritate the hell out of me.

Totally Agree. The authorities really have to look at what the players and caddies get up to on the green. A percentage of golfers copy what they see on tv and at tournaments. I bet we have all played behind Camilo Villegas wanabees crawling about the green and high fiving when they sink their 3rd or 4th putt for a triple bogey !!

 

[Junior]

TBH i've never played with anyone who takes an excessive amount of time lining up putts and i've never played with anyone who has had a caddy lining up the putt for them.

What I will say is that the better players on our course do take a little longer (not excessivley longer) stalking putts than others.

i find slow play on our course during a medal is primarily due to groups looking for a ball and not calling the other group through.

 

[ADB]

To me this topic is wider than lining up the putts, but rather the gradual extension of the role of a caddy that is ruining the game. In my view the caddy should carry the bag and give yardages and information on holes (such as hazards) - and that is it!

No recommendations on choice of club selection, putting lines or the type of shot for the pro to play - that is for the player to make and be judged on. How often have we seen full conversations between between player and caddy before every shot - just give the player the facts and let him execute the best shot he nominates himself.

The use of caddies is a huge ego trip for players - send them out with a Go Kart and Skycaddie and I bet they would score equally well and take an hour off their round.

 

[Screwback]

The whole idea of a caddie is to aid a player its been like that for years its a big part of the tradition of the game. to suggest swapping them for powacaddys imo is ludacris.

I dont think slow play is a problem on the tour the longer the golf is on the telly the better.

 

[pokerjoke]

Carry the bag to edge of green give the player the putter then bog off towards next tee.