Practise putts - are they are free for all?

[LincolnShep]

Rule 5.5b says that, in between holes, a player can practise putting and chipping providing he does not unreasonably delay play. Could I borrow a putter from another player and hit some practise putts with it?
It seems that there are lots of rules that would not apply to practise shots (e.g. hitting a moving ball, illegal drops, testing the surface etc.) but do some rules still apply, like the one mentioned?

 

[doublebogey7]

There is nothing in the rules that would prevent you from using anyone's club for practise. In fact I would say there is no rule that covers practise beyond the restrictions laid out in Rule 5.5.

 

[Neilds]

My question is, is it practice when it is someone else's club? Why would you even think about it?

 

[rulie]

My question is, is it practice when it is someone else's club? Why would you even think about it?

4.1b(2)/2 – Sharing Clubs Is Not Allowed for Strokes That Count in a Player’s Score​

The prohibition against sharing clubs applies only to strokes that count in a player’s score. It does not apply to practice swings, practice strokes or strokes made after the result of a hole is decided.

For example, there is no penalty under Rule 4.1b if, between the play of two holes, a player borrows another player’s putter and makes several practice putts on the putting green of the hole just completed.

 

[Neilds]

4.1b(2)/2 – Sharing Clubs Is Not Allowed for Strokes That Count in a Player’s Score​

The prohibition against sharing clubs applies only to strokes that count in a player’s score. It does not apply to practice swings, practice strokes or strokes made after the result of a hole is decided.

For example, there is no penalty under Rule 4.1b if, between the play of two holes, a player borrows another player’s putter and makes several practice putts on the putting green of the hole just completed.

My query was actually about the benefits of ‘practicing’ using a putter that is potentially completely different to your own.

 

[LincolnShep]

My query was actually about the benefits of ‘practicing’ using a putter that is potentially completely different to your own.

Is there a definition of 'practice'? If not, it's what you want it to be.

 

[salfordlad]

Is there a definition of 'practice'? If not, it's what you want it to be.

There is an internal definition in Rule 5.2 telling us what "practising on the course" is. 5.2 and 5.5 explain further when practise is and is not a problem.