Putting Green Etiquette
Also known as: putting green etiquette, walk on someone's line, stepping on someone's putting line, walking on putting line, shadow on someone's line, etiquette on the green, where to stand on the green, green etiquette
No, don't walk on another player's putting line. Step over it or walk around it, since footprints can knock their putt off line. Also keep your shadow off their line, stand still and quiet out of their view, and repair your ball marks.
A putting line is the path a ball will roll to the hole. It includes a short stretch past the hole. Footprints and spike marks along that path can bump a putt. Walk around other players' lines or step over them carefully.
Stand where the player cannot see you move, often off to the side. Keep your shadow and the shadow of the flagstick off their line. Mark your ball if it is in someone's way. Attend the flagstick only if asked. Set bags and carts off the green and the fringe.
When everyone has holed out, leave the green promptly. Write down scores at the next tee. Before you leave, repair your ball mark and one more if you can.
Tips by skill level
Before you walk on a green, look at where every ball lies. Plan a path that avoids the lines to the hole.
Know where a player's "through line" runs past the hole too. A bad step there can affect a comeback putt.
Example
A beginner walks straight from his ball to the hole across his friend's line. His friend smiles and shows him how to step around it. On the next green he walks the long way round.
Why it matters
Good habits on the green protect other players' putts. They also show you know the game, which matters on any course.
Common mistakes
- Walking straight across another player's line
- Letting your shadow fall over someone's line as they putt
- Leaning on your putter on the green
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stand when someone is putting?
Off to the side, out of their line of sight and not directly behind them or the hole. Keep still, quiet and keep your shadow off their line.
Should I repair ball marks on the green?
Yes. Repair your own ball mark and another if you see one. It keeps the green smooth for everyone.
Sources
Related terms
- Golf EtiquetteGolf etiquette comes down to safety, pace and care of the course. Wait until the group ahead is out of range, shout 'fore' if your ball heads toward anyone, and keep up with the group in front. Repair ball marks, replace or fill divots and rake bunkers after you play from them.
- Repairing Ball Marks and Spike MarksYes, you may repair spike marks, ball marks and almost any other damage on the putting green, even on your putting line. That includes shoe damage, old hole plugs, turf seams, scrapes from equipment or the flagstick, and animal tracks. You may not repair natural imperfections, such as aeration holes, uneven growth or weeds, or the natural wear of the hole.
- Marking Your Ball on the GreenOnce your ball is on the putting green, you may mark, lift and clean it whenever you like. First place a ball-marker, or hold a club on the ground, right behind or right next to the ball. Replace the ball on exactly the same spot, and remove the marker before you putt. Lifting a ball without marking it first costs one penalty stroke.
- Flagstick In or Out When PuttingUnder the Rules of Golf you choose before each stroke: leave the flagstick in, have it removed, or have someone attend it. This applies even when putting from on the green. If your ball hits a flagstick left in the hole, there is no penalty and you play it as it lies. A ball resting against the flagstick counts as holed if any part of it is below the surface of the green.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into practice
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