marking ball when putting

Question
My friend puts her putter head behind her ball while still holding the putter, lifts the ball and cleans it, and then replaces the ball, still holding the putter head. Someone told her she should leave an object behind the ball and she can't be holding her putter there like this. Is this process she's using legal?

Answer
Hi Tina:

Great question.  But it's up for interpretation by the "Committee" at your course.  

Rule 20-1:  Lifting and Marking says:

Note:  The position of the ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball.  If the ball marker interferes with the play, stance or stroke of another player, it should be placed one or more clubhead-lengths to one side.  

So, here is what I see in regards to your question.  It says "should" be marked by, it also says "immediately behind the ball".  

I will bet she puts the putterhead off to the side of the ball and not behind it.  So, what is the ruling?  It's up to your interpretation of the rule.  Is the putterhead a ball marker, a small coin or other similar object?  Don't think so...however, it says "should".  And if her putterhead is off to the side of the ball, not "immediately" behind it.  So what do you say?

Here is what I will ask next.  Have you ever seen anyone on the PGA or LPGA Tour do that?  Ever?  The answer is NO.  Is it against the Rules of Golf?  It seems vague to me, but in 34 years of competition myself, I have never seen anyone do it that way.  

My advice:  check with your local PGA Professional to see what he or she says at your club and then email the USGA for an official ruling.  They are good about answering questions...takes them a while to get back to you, but they always do.  Go to www.usga.org and check it out.  

Sorry I can't be more black and white for you, but the rule is not black and white.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member