Learning from a Player Partner's Putt

[Happy Dragon]

Where is the best place to stand to get a teach from a playing partner's putt without being obnoxious about it?

Also, if you're 10+ yards back, from an etiquette standpoint, does it matter much where you stand?

Thanks.

[Jay-Bird]

Where is the best place to stand to get a teach from a playing partner's putt without being obnoxious about it?

Some people just stand out of eye-sight then walk behind the player after the ball is struck.

I like to learn from the side. I pick a point near where I think the ball should go, and after the putt is struck, I watch it roll out.

[Saint]

kneel down behind the ball and watch it like you were reading the putt-scramble format
Try to stand on the downhill side of the way the putt will be going or coming from.

[sean_miller]

kneel down behind the ball and watch it like you were reading the putt-scramble format

Do you mean to position yourself along the line of your "opponent's" putt? As in, behind the ball or behind the hole? Aside from annoyance factor (bordering on gamesmanship) there was a time this was considered against the rules - at least according to RCGA rules.

[iacas]

Do you mean to position yourself along the line of your "opponent's" putt? As in, behind the ball or behind the hole? Aside from annoyance factor (bordering on gamesmanship) there was a time this was considered against the rules - at least according to RCGA rules.

I doubt it was against the rules. There's still a current rule that applies if it's your partner hitting the putt (or any shot), but not your opponent.

Standing on their line would be a breach of etiquette, but even that's debatable if you're far enough back that you're out of their cone of vision + a margin area.

[sean_miller]

I doubt it was against the rules. There's still a current rule that applies if it's your partner hitting the putt (or any shot), but not your opponent.

I wish I'd kept my old rule books (including the USGA version with Tom Watson's notes and examples), because I was fairly certain (for what that's worth) that said behaviour was an immediate loss of the hole during match play. Other than being 100% irritating, I can't recall what it said about stroke play.

[tjy355]

Where is the best place to stand to get a teach from a playing partner's putt without being obnoxious about it?

The rules differentiate whether the other person is a "partner" (as in a team event) or a "fellow competitor."

It is against the rules to stand on a partner's line while he is putting. If it is a fellow competitor, it is not against the rules but possibly a breach of etiquette.

[sean_miller]

I wish I'd kept my old rule books (including the USGA version with Tom Watson's notes and examples), because I was fairly certain (for what that's worth) that said behaviour was an immediate loss of the hole during match play. Other than being 100% irritating, I can't recall what it said about stroke play.

It didn't take too long on the old inter-web to see the loss of hole is when your playing partner is the one watching the line - and that line of putt does not extend beyond the hole.

[iacas]

It didn't take too long on the old inter-web to see the loss of hole is when your playing partner is the one watching the line - and that line of putt does not extend beyond the hole.

I don't think we're talking about a "teammate" kind of partner. I think when the OP said "playing partner" he meant "fellow competitor," not an actual "partner." You yourself said "opponent" in your first post.

As for someone standing on your line, the applicable rule is:

Source: USGA Rule 14-2. Assistance In making a stroke, a player must not: a. Accept physical assistance or protection from the elements; or b. Allow his caddie, his partner or his partner's caddie to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of play or the line of putt behind the ball.

In other words, it's the rule that makes all the caddies on the LPGA Tour move off the line after they line their player up. For a fellow competitor (or their caddie, etc.) it's not illegal to stand behind someone's ball on their line. It's potentially rude and a breach of etiquette if you're not really far back, but not illegal. For the etiquette reason it's best to stand aside and walk or lean in if you need to. And for a true partner (in team play), it's best to just ask them afterwards and stay well away from their line lest you appear to be on their line.

[sean_miller]

I don't think we're talking about a "teammate" kind of partner. I think when the OP said "playing partner" he meant "fellow competitor," not an actual "partner." You yourself said "opponent" in your first post.

You misinterpreted my last post, but thanks for the additional information. I posted to show a minimal amount of digging indicated my first post was completely incorrect.

That's why I also used the term "inter-web" and included ". . . line of putt does not extend beyond the hole" which corrected my original statement, "As in, behind the ball or behind the hole?"

[mc0388]

Stand off there back should about 10-15 ft. you'll be out of there line of site. Wait till they putt and quietly walk behind to see the ball role out

[right handed phil mickelson]

Stand about 10-15 feet away, just behind them, but not directly on their line.

As soon as they set up for the putt, it is your cue to say "You will miss this putt. Ya JACKASS."

Don't forget a helmet, and be prepared to run away (soft cleats work best. Still providing traction but not tearing up the green).