Rule Question- indicating line of play

[Sherlockian]

Last weekend, a guy was added to our 3-some due to heavy patronage that day. He was a very good golfer and extremely pleasant to play with. My question comes from something he would do on every tee box. He would tee his ball normally. Then stand behind aiming/visualizing the shot or line. Before he took his stance and addressed the ball, he would place something about 18 inches BEHIND his ball. This something was usually a broken tee, stick, or leaf. We were not playing for money or anything, but this seemed to be a way of identifying the line of play. After a few holes, I asked him casually about it. He said it was not for aiming, but to make sure he took his club far enough back and inside. I understand his reasoning and usage, but it could be taken as an aiming aid. Rule 8-2a seems to be the applicable rule. What do you guys/gals think about this?

[opie]

Seems the last sentence covers it.

8-2. Indicating Line of Play
a. Other Than on Putting Green

Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated to him 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 his knowledge to indicate the line must be removed before the stroke is made.

[CarlSpackler]

I would say that he needs thirty lashes with a wet noodle. He can call it what he wants, but it is still a mark on the line of play. If he tees up his ball in front of a tee that is already on the ground, I think he is in the clear, but he can't place a mark.

[iacas]

After a few holes, I asked him casually about it. He said it was not for aiming, but to make sure he took his club far enough back and inside.

Doesn't matter what he thinks or says it's for. It's a mark he placed on the ground. Penalty.

He can't scratch a line in the grass or do other things like that either.

[SteelDriver]

that can fall under the "practice/training tool" rule. you're not allowed to use anything used for practice/training while in play. something to that effect.

[Sherlockian]

Doesn't matter what he thinks or says it's for. It's a mark he placed on the ground. Penalty.

That's they way I feel too. I pulled out my beatup ROG and read him the gospel. I got alot of ribbing from my regular partners, but they have had the ROG pulled on them too. I was just wondering if I was being a little anal.

[Andycapped]

Personally... who cares? If you're just out to play 18 holes, you're either out to have fun or PRACTICING. If it was tournament play, of course he shouldn't, but he's probably practicing and trying to improve his game. Let him do what he wants.

[Sherlockian]

Personally... who cares? If you're just out to play 18 holes, you're either out to have fun or PRACTICING. If it was tournament play, of course he shouldn't, but he's probably practicing and trying to improve his game. Let him do what he wants.

I agree with you also, the reading of the gospel was a joke. My issue is that I have participated in alot of "club level" tournaments where people like this gentleman bring their practicing rules to the tournament and don't understand what the problem is. Plenty of golfers are totally oblivious to the ROG when they enter local and club tournaments.

[MiniMoe]

easy remedy, you can't place something behind your ball before you hit, but you can tee your ball up inline with something as an aiming aid. I often tee my ball up so that a leaf or a divot is in my line of play. Since I did not place it there, there is no penalty to have something in your line of play.