Golf rules in relation to putting

Question
Is there any golf rule that precludes me from leaning across the hole and tapping my ball into the hole with the face of my putter.


Answer
Louisa,

In a word...no, there is not a rule that specifically prohibits reaching across and tapping the ball into the hole.  First of all, the line or intended line of a putt does not extend past the hole.  Second, the rule that outlaws standing "astride" the line during a putt was not designed to eliminate this type of stroke, but rather to keep people from putting "croquet style."

There is only one basic rule that might cause you problems in this scenario.  Rule 14-1 states that the ball must be "fairly struck at."  This means that the ball has to be struck, and not "pushed, scraped or spooned."  If you're going to reach over and tap it into the cup, make sure that you do tap it, rather than scrape or drag it toward the hole.

Have fun and good luck.

John