Putting - Playing Partners Position

[markdavies1978]

Hi all,

Not been on here for a while but would like your views.

Been playing golf with my friend for years now and I can’t put my finger on when it started but what has only recently started to bother me is the fact he often stands directly behind the hole when I putt to read my putt & sometimes directly behind me also, often squatting.

Yesterday I asked him to move, the reaction was “I can’t be in your way here” and got a bit humpy about it. On the next hole he quizzed me on it again and I explained it was good etiquette to not do that and ideally you shouldn’t be in a players peripheral vision.

He thought I was pushing things and being excessive with my request.

I stand by what I said as that was how I was brought up as I started golf quite young and these things are ingrained in me.

Thoughts?

Cheers.

 

[rulie]

Hi all,

Not been on here for a while but would like your views.

Been playing golf with my friend for years now and I can’t put my finger on when it started but what has only recently started to bother me is the fact he often stands directly behind the hole when I putt to read my putt & sometimes directly behind me also, often squatting.

Yesterday I asked him to move, the reaction was “I can’t be in your way here” and got a bit humpy about it. On the next hole he quizzed me on it again and I explained it was good etiquette to not do that and ideally you shouldn’t be in a players peripheral vision.

He thought I was pushing things and being excessive with my request.

I stand by what I said as that was how I was brought up as I started golf quite young and these things are ingrained in me.

Thoughts?

Cheers.

From the Etiquette section of the Rule book:
[h=2]Consideration for Other Players[/h] [h=3]No Disturbance or Distraction[/h] Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise.

Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.

On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play.

Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

[h=2]On the Putting Green[/h] On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I have a feeling there is nothing in the rules about this but it does come under etiquette. I would never stand either behind someone putting or directly in their eyeline of ball and hole. That is pretty basic to me. I agree with your thoughts.

 

[markdavies1978]

Glad I'm not the only one.

Cheers!

 

[markdavies1978]

@rulie Thanks!

 

[atticusfinch]

This is an example of when the term "playing partner" confuses things. If he was actually your partner he cannot stand on your line of putt or an extension on the line. Rule 14-2b. Otherwise the other posts are correct. Not specifically prohibited by a rule but strongly frowned upon, especially if asked not to.

 

[markdavies1978]

This is an example of when the term "playing partner" confuses things. If he was actually your partner he cannot stand on your line of putt or an extension on the line. Rule 14-2b. Otherwise the other posts are correct. Not specifically prohibited by a rule but strongly frowned upon, especially if asked not to.

Thanks!

 

[duncan mackie]

This is an example of when the term "playing partner" confuses things. If he was actually your partner he cannot stand on your line of putt or an extension on the line BEHIND THE BALL. Rule 14-2b. Otherwise the other posts are correct. Not specifically prohibited by a rule but strongly frowned upon, especially if asked not to.

Sorry to use caps but bold not an option in tablet mode.

As written there was an inadvertent implication that beyond the hole wasn't permitted.