Putting - Rule 10(2)(b)(3)

[MR-Miura]

Hi, I’m new to the group so go easy.

I have raised an eyebrow from club members when putting.

My new technique involves me marking the ball, reading the line by eye from behind the ball, then picking a spot about 10 cm between the ball and the hole and while continually holding the putter in my left hand, grounding the putter head on the spot to line up the mark on my ball with the face of the putter. At no point do I let go of the putter.

Is this legal? On reading the Rules of Golf, specifically 10(2)(b)(3), it seems perfectly fine, as I am not letting go of the object (putter).

Your thoughts are welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Ben

 

[Steven Rules]

It's fine.

I wonder if they are confused by, or thinking of, the pre-2019 rule that prohibited touching the putting green on the line of the putt. It has been long superseded.

Next time, ask them what their specific concern is.

 

[salfordlad]

I agree with Steven, no issue. The only possible problem could be if 'touching' the green on the line of putt could be accused of improving the line, for example by pressing down a natural blemish on the line. That is simply not going to happen with due care and attention.

 

[MR-Miura]

It's fine.

I wonder if they are confused by, or thinking of, the pre-2019 rule that prohibited touching the putting green on the line of the putt. It has been long superseded.

Next time, ask them what their specific concern is.

Thanks, Steven. I agree they might have been confused with the pre-2019 ruling.

 

[MR-Miura]

I agree with Steven, no issue. The only possible problem could be if 'touching' the green on the line of putt could be accused of improving the line, for example by pressing down a natural blemish on the line. That is simply not going to happen with due care and attention.

Thanks, Salfordlad. Agree.

 

[Robin Hood]

And does your routine work ?
Are you sinking more putts ?

 

[MR-Miura]

And does your routine work ?
Are you sinking more putts ?

It certainly helps with conviction to the line. I wouldn’t say it’s a significant improvement but it’s certainly not a step backwards.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

A classic example of something that looks odd - and because of that and because it's unusual the conclusion is naturally jumped to that it's wrong - and so breaking some rule. When all it is, is different.

Not unlike someone not marking their ball position when taking winter rule 'Lift, Clean and Place' relief. And yes - I know it's recommended and the difference between that and 'Lift, Clean and Replace'.

 

[Crow]

Maybe the raised eyebrow at your new technique has nothing to do with the rules?

 

[jim8flog]

If my memory serves me well (getting old) you have always been allow to place the putter head either side of the ball after taking your stance. I have a memory of one of the pros doing it (may have been Nick Price).

 

[Colin L]

If my memory serves me well (getting old) you have always been allow to place the putter head either side of the ball after taking your stance. I have a memory of one of the pros doing it (may have been Nick Price).

I guess you are right. It certainly goes far enough back for me to remember my father doing it when I was a wee boy. I have a notion that it is because it is a long accepted practice that it remained allowable when touching the line of putt was not.

 

[Steven Rules]

If my memory serves me well (getting old) you have always been allow to place the putter head either side of the ball after taking your stance. I have a memory of one of the pros doing it (may have been Nick Price).

8.1b(4) expressly permits grounding the club lightly right in front of or right behind the ball when preparing for or making a stroke. As you and others have said, this practice has 'always' been permitted.

In my opinion, the procedure in the OP (10cm) doesn't fall under this Rule but, as already stated, there is no prohibition on touching the line of the putt - whether it be 10cm or 10m in front of the ball - as long as there is no improvement to the line of play (except that damage on the putting green may be repaired).