The Rules of Golf Are Complicated! Thankfully, we have the teacher. our Rules Guy knows the book inside out. Have a question? He has all the answers.
Every week, GOLF’s resident rules expert answers all your burning questions about the game. As anyone who plays knows, strange things can happen during rounds of golf. Sometimes, the correct course of action can confuse even the most experienced player.
But providing clarity to these confusing conundrums is where Rules Guy shines. This year, Rules Guy covered topics – submitted by players like you! — starting with what to do when your ball hits a cart path and travels back and legality of marking your ball on the side if you can clear your ball as it rolls across the ground under repair and whether or not you can replace your ball if the wind has ruined the greenery.
But there was one question this year that involved something a little more mundane: Are you allowed to stand directly behind someone when he or she is putting?
The Rules Guy published his response in July, and it ended up being the most read column of the year. Do you know the answer? You can read the Rules Guy’s Q&A below, or you can view the originally published column by clicking here.
Rules Guy most read column of the year: Is it legal for another player to stand directly behind me while I shoot nails?
In an individual stroke play competition, is a player allowed to stand directly behind me while I am helping him figure out his line? Does the rule change for the best ball competition? — Bokkie Gerber, via email
Yes – with caveats – and yes.
In individual stroke play, no Rule prohibits another player from standing on an extension of the line of play behind your own ball. However, if the player is distracting you and you ask them to move, they should; while in this case the Rules do not prevent standing after one’s placement, it is certainly considered poor etiquette. (If the other player is unable to either give advice or assist you in some way, then there may be a breach of Rules 10.2b(4) or 10.2a.)
However, in fours, rules 22.6 and 23.8 prohibit your partner from staying in that position to learn something about his putt, lest he receive the overall penalty.
Want to find the right accessory for your bag in 2026? Find a convenient club location near you at True Spec Golf.
Have a question about the Rules? Ask Guy Rules! Send your questions, confusion and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise you won’t throw the book at you.
