[KevCarter]

I was surprised to learn in the USGA rules book - that in stroke play - you can practice putt - after the hole is over. As long as you are not holding up the group behind. Since I never see the pros do this (except in Match Play) - they must have a special committee ruling that doesn't allow it in their stroke play events? Anyone else always assume that you can only practice putt in Match play and not stroke play?

Very common misconception. The PGA tour uses a condition of competition on their hard card not allowing practice putting...

The USGA does not use this condition, so once in awhile you will see someone practicing at the US Open and everybody freaks, only to find at it's perfectly legal...

Kevin