Standing when others are putting

[Canfordhacker]

If you have a 10 footer and your mate is on the same line but further away, where do you think it is acceptable to stand to get the best view? Obviously 12:00 o'clock and 6:00 o'clock are out, but where do you stand? I usually get to the pin first to tend in this case, otherwise I'll stand at about 8:00 o'clock and walk in behind them after they hit it.

What do others think?

 

[Andy]

On the opposite side of the hole so once he's played you can walk in and see the ball rolling towards the hole.

Andy

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I would hate for you to rush in to attend the pin. I'm never going to want it attended from that distance and I'd find it a real distraction if you did that every hole. To answer the question I'd normally stand on the opposite side of the hole at about 4 o'clock and around ten foot back

 

[Canfordhacker]

Homer - I meant if the person was much further away than me. I know my partners and I know who is likely to want it tending and from what distance. If it's likely to be needed, I just make sure that I am the one to do it if I feel it will give me an advantage. If not, no prob.

I'm a bit (only a bit, honest!) fussy where the flag gets left though, and like to make sure it doesn't interfere with anybody's line after the hole, no matter the distance past. Some people don't seem to care about this, so if I take the pin out then I get to choose where it lies.

 

[USER1999]

Not sure you are allowed to watch from 6 or 12 o clock.

Rules anyone?

To me, as everyone hits it different, I am quite happy not watching. My Dad slices putts, even from 2ft, and some dribble them in, some whack them. If it is from distance I back my own read, if it is short, it is down to personnal style. How many times have you watched a short putt go right, but when you hit yours it tracks straight.

Go your own way.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

To be honest I don't actually tend to watch too many of my opponents putts unless there is a severe slope as everyone hits the ball with different strokes and at a different spped. I tend to focus on the line when it is my go and make sure I have the fell then pick my spot and aim accordingly and trust myself.

 

[backwoodsman]

Murph.

It's etiquette rather than a rule - you <u>can</u> watch from directly behind, but it's very poor form

 

[Herbie]

Not bothered about anyones putt but my own, keep well out of the way and courteously avoid being behind or in front.

 

[Cernunnos]

I try & move away from 12 O'Clock & 6 O'Clock, to a 30 degrees off line, before someone putts, but we can return to watch for the way the ball breaks after the stroke.

I'm really not that keen on people tending the flag, but usually don't object if people insist upon it. But my usual line would be... "Its Okay, you can loose the flag for me..."

Prevents an oponent getting too good a view of the line & less chance of them interfereing with my karma.

The only thing that really to be honest bothers me when I'm putting or playing full stop, is people standing too close to me whilst putting or playing a shot. Its odd how my personal space seems to balloon when out on the golf course, compared with normal life. So it doesn't really matter what line that are on, its my personal space that is important.

 

[fastmover2]

Unless they are a known good putter I have no interest at all and just keep out of the way.

For a good putter I will keep to the side of the line and behind and then walk in to read as the ball rolls.

 

[TonyN]

It depends on the situation. I always stand well out of sight and be sure not to cast shadows. If that means off the green behind a tree so be it.

But if I can get a good look at a putt similar to mine I will do. But can usually do it from most places. I have a look at my putt first and try to work out the break if any. I generally know where it is gonna go so only use a good stroke to confirm what I thought anyway.

Match play is a different ball game and I will stand as close to 12as my partner will allow.

 

[SammmeBee]

Murph.

It's etiquette rather than a rule - you <u>can</u> watch from directly behind, but it's very poor form

Sir, if I may can I direct you to Rule 14-2......

 

[shanker]

Murph.

It's etiquette rather than a rule - you <u>can</u> watch from directly behind, but it's very poor form

Wrong! (I think). The rules of Golf do not allow this. I'm willing to be corrected but I think you are mistaken, my friend!

 

[EchtLoon]

Murph.

It's etiquette rather than a rule - you <u>can</u> watch from directly behind, but it's very poor form

Sir, if I may can I direct you to Rule 14-2......

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.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 14-1 or -2:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.

 

[TonyN]

Murph.

It's etiquette rather than a rule - you <u>can</u> watch from directly behind, but it's very poor form

Sir, if I may can I direct you to Rule 14-2......

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.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 14-1 or -2:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.

So nothing about opponents? Forgive me if partner is worded as opponent, but I assumed it was refering to match play.

 

[DCB]

14-2 relates to a partner, someone on your team. ie 4 ball better ball etc.

Nothing about either an opponent or fellow competitor in this one.

 

[TonyN]

Thanks David, so technically then, there is nothing in the rules stopping you from standing directly behind your opposing players line and checking the break, rather it is just ettiquette that tells us we are ***** if we do

 

[universaljim]

I'm in the "stand off to one side" when others are putting but if its same line as mine, then I'll always try to have a look at the last few feet where people stand and tend!
Would never stand behind an opponent, seems like cheating and must be a distraction for them as well.

 

[backwoodsman]

Thanks David, so technically then, there is nothing in the rules stopping you from standing directly behind your opposing players line and checking the break, rather it is just ettiquette that tells us we are ***** if we do

There you go; I thank you one & all ...