Rules Explained: Indicating the line of play, Rule 8-2
Other than on the putting green:
A player may have the line of play indicated to her by anyone, but no-one may be positioned by the player on or close to the line or an extension of the line beyond the hole while the stroke is being made. Any mark placed by the player or with her knowledge to indicate the line must be removed before the stroke is made.
On the putting green:
When the player’s ball is on the putting green, the player, her partner or either of their caddies may, before but not during the stroke, point out a line for putting, but in so doing the putting green must not be touched.
A mark must not be placed anywhere to indicate a line for putting.
Penalty for breach of rule:
Matchplay – loss of hole
Strokeplay – two strokes
Ally Forster is a qualified EGU golf referee and, in her own words, has a passion for golf which exceeds her ability to play but that doesn’t take away the enjoyment. Ally can be followed on Twitter @rulesandgolf
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Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
