Watching a putt

Question
I was just wondering what the ruling was about standing directly behind a player while they putt so you can get a better read or line on your own putt.

Answer
Hi Shawn:

Rule 14-2:  Assistance (Striking the ball) says:

A player may not allow his caddie, his partner or his partner's caddie to position himself onor close to an extension of the line of play or the line of putt behind the ball.  

Penalty for breach of this rule:  Stroke play, 2 strokes, Match play, loss of hole.  

If you ever watch women's golf, Christie Kerr has her caddie line her up on every shot.  You'll notice once he says she is good, he takes one or two steps to the side before she hits it.  He cannot stand directly behind her when she hits it or she would be in violation of that rule.  

Don't get in the habit of standing behind people.  Give them the courtesy of standing off to the side, away from their vision.  Seems to be the common sense thing to do.  


Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member