Rules

[Mike O]

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?

[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

[Yoda]

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...

Didn't know this, Kevin. Thanks!

[gmbtempe]

Its good to know I have not been breaking the rule in the past because I often hit putts after finishing.

[O.B.Left]

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?

Never knew that. How bout chipping?

I recently found out its not against the rules to ask a fellow competitor what the yardage is.....even if he's using a laser. I did not know that either.

[Mike O]

7-2. During Round
A player must not make a practice stroke during play of a hole.
Between the play of two holes, a player must not make a practice stroke, except that he may practice putting or chipping on or near:


(a) the putting green of the hole last played,

(b) any practice putting green, or


(c) the teeing ground of the next hole to be played in the round,
provided a practice stroke is not made from a hazard and does not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7).


Strokes made in continuing the play of a hole, the result of which has been decided, are not practice strokes.
Note 1:
A practice swing is not a practice stroke and may be taken at any place, provided the player does not breach the Rules.


Note 2:
The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), prohibit:


(a) practice on or near the putting green of the hole last played, and


(b) rolling a ball on the putting green of the hole last played.