Laying a club down to indicate line before a shot

[Azlan]

I played with someone the other day who would laydown his club in the direction he wanted to hit before taking the shot. Most times I recall he would pick up the club before approaching to address the ball. Other times I think he addressed the ball with the club on the ground picked it up and then played and played the ahot. My senses told me that this was wrong. Was it?

[billchao]

Perfectly legal.

http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!rule-08,8-2

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8-2. Indicating Line of Play

a. Other Than on Putting Green

Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of playindicated to him by anyone, but no one may be positioned by the player for that purpose 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, for the purpose of indicating the line of play, must be removed before the stroke is made.

https://www.usga.org/RulesFAQ/rules_answer.asp?FAQidx=30&Rule=8

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Rule 8-2

Club Placed on Ground to Align Feet

Q.A player places a club on the ground parallel to the line of play to assist him in aligning his feet properly. Is this permissible?

A.Yes, provided the player removes the club before playing his stroke. Otherwise a breach of Rule 8-2a would occur.

 

[Buckeyebowman]

I think the only way it would be illegal is if he laid a club other than the one he wished to play along the line, and left it there while lining up and executing the shot.

[Azlan]

Excellent! Thanks. I feel better now