Marking a target line

[jdpjamesp]

Am I allowed to use my club to make an indentation in the ground (pushing down the grass, slightly, not damaging the surface) ahead of my ball (not on the green of course) to mark the direction I want to play my shot?

 

[Farneyman]

Am I allowed to use my club to make an indentation in the ground (pushing down the grass, slightly, not damaging the surface) ahead of my ball (not on the green of course) to mark the direction I want to play my shot?

I wouldn't think so but I may be totally wrong.

 

[backwoodsman]

Am I allowed to use my club to make an indentation in the ground (pushing down the grass, slightly, not damaging the surface) ahead of my ball (not on the green of course) to mark the direction I want to play my shot?

No. 18/2-a

 

[Region3]

A lot of people (myself included) stand behind the ball and look down the line. I don't ever remember a time when I haven't been able to find anything to use as a close target, like a divot, patch of darker grass, etc.

 

[Smiffy]

I don't ever remember a time when I haven't been able to find anything to use as a close target, like a divot, patch of darker grass, etc.

Or a tree, pond or bunker....

 

[Colin L]

Am I allowed to use my club to make an indentation in the ground (pushing down the grass, slightly, not damaging the surface) ahead of my ball (not on the green of course) to mark the direction I want to play my shot?

Other than on the putting green, if you make or place any mark on the ground to indicate your line of play, it has to be removed before you make your stroke. That’s Rule 8-2a (backwoodsman has a typo in his reference). In the way you are doing it, you have made a mark that is not removed and is thus a breach of the rule.

On the putting green you may not make a mark at all (Rule 8-2b).

 

[jdpjamesp]

Thanks everyone for clarifying. Saves me looking stupid on the course. Can save it for here

 

[backwoodsman]

Other than on the putting green, if you make or place any mark on the ground to indicate your line of play, it has to be removed before you make your stroke. That’s Rule 8-2a [(backwoodsman has a typo in his reference). In the way you are doing it, you have made a mark that is not removed and is thus a breach of the rule.

On the putting green you may not make a mark at all (Rule 8-2b).

Well spotted - it's sausage fingers