Rule vs Courtesy Question

[heronsghyll]

Can anyone advise me on the following question?

Is there a rule which states you cannot watch directly the line of a putt being made by your opponent before you play your putt. Or is it a general courtesy that you do not?

I played on Sunday in a club medal competition and the young man playing with me on one hole stood directly in line with my putt the other side of the pin. He was a long way off and did not put me off, but I believed this was not allowed as he had a putt similar to mine - nearer the hole.

I informed him afterwards that this was bad form and could be seen as "gaining an advantage". I said the pro's always stand to the side and move to watch a putt after it has been hit, but not at the time of address and suggested he did not do it in future as I know it will upset some people.

Was I right? Is it a rule or is it just courtesy? Your input would be most welcome. Thanks.

 

[Robobum]

There is a rule to prohibit this Heron, which number that would be is a guess though.

 

[KeefG]

Hmmmmmmmmmm.....well, it would appear Heron that it is you that would take the penalty!!!

14-2. Assistance In making a stroke, a player must not:
a. Accept physical assistance or protection from the elements; or
b. Allow his caddie, his partner or his partner’s caddie to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of play or the line of putt behind the ball

If i've read it right, which im certain i have, then for allowing the other player to stand and watch your line then it is you that takes the penalty of loss of hole in matchplay or 2 strokes in strokeplay!

Seems a bit harsh to me, but its in the R&A rules.

However, this rule is for 'Assistance'....it could be argued that you were not getting assistance.

 

[ColinR]

Hmmmmmmmmmm.....well, it would appear Heron that it is you that would take the penalty!!!

14-2. Assistance In making a stroke, a player must not:
a. Accept physical assistance or protection from the elements; or
b. Allow his caddie, his partner or his partner’s caddie to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of play or the line of putt behind the ball

If i've read it right, which im certain i have, then for allowing the other player to stand and watch your line then it is you that takes the penalty of loss of hole in matchplay or 2 strokes in strokeplay!

Seems a bit harsh to me, but its in the R&A rules.

However, this rule is for 'Assistance'....it could be argued that you were not getting assistance.

Are you sure that does not mean your playing partner rather than the person you are playing against ? i.e you can not allow anyone to be on the line that could apply that advantage back to you or the team you are in.

 

[nomadpaul]

That would be a partner rather than an opponent i guess ?

 

[Fyldewhite]

The rule quoted basically means "anyone on your side" so does not cover the situation stated here.
There is no specific rule to prevent a player doing this but it is not considered good etiquette and like you say would upset a lot of players. Best course of action is to politely ask the player to move to one side if they are distracting you, otherwise don't worry about it.

 

[KeefG]

Well done that man....scratch everything i said then, its a load of crap! lol

In that case then, there is no ruling on it, i think its just generally considered bad etiquette!

 

[bobmac]

Etiquette rule I
Consideration for other players
On the putting green
Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

 

[heronsghyll]

Etiquette rule I
Consideration for other players
On the putting green
Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

What is an Etiquette rule? How is this different from a normal rule?

Does this mean it is "a rule" with a punishment for infringement or is it a guideline?

I am just interested to know for my own satisfaction.

Anyone know? Many thanks.

 

[bobmac]

Etiquette rule I
Consideration for other players
On the putting green
Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

What is an Etiquette rule? How is this different from a normal rule?

Does this mean it is "a rule" with a punishment for infringement or is it a guideline?

I am just interested to know for my own satisfaction.

Anyone know? Many thanks.

Good point, sorry, not a rule a guideline
The difference is the player 'should do' blah blah, not 'must do' blah blah

HTH

 

[Libzy]

Rules regarding etiquette have no punishments as they are not strict rules of play. However they are still rules and guidelines that players should abide by. Such as replacing divots, not moving or talking, standing on putting lines or in your case in direct line. This can obviously be seen as a direct attempt to distract the player or gain an advantage in viewing his line.

While there are no strict rules on this, if brought to the rules comittee they can review the incident and decide whether or not to disqualify the player if the incidents are in relation to a competition.

[edit for spelling]