What do the rules say about a caddy replacing your ball on the green?
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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.
Can a professional golfer put the ball on the green for him? -Dale Tateyama, Blaine, Wash.
Only if he gives the caddy half of his winnings for the week. We children!
Under Rule 14.2b, only the player, the player’s partner (if any) or the person who first lifted the ball or caused it to move is allowed to replace it, so unless this final situation is the case, the player will get a free kick if his runner did the honors.
Rules Boy: Can you get advice from a caddy who is also your playing partner?
For more guidance on caddy from our teacher, read on…
Can my box help repair ball marks or dot marks on my green? — Fred D. Anderson, via email
First, you have to tip him or her generously at the end of the game to do so.
And, yes, Rule 10.3b(1) specifies the actions a caddy is always allowed to perform, and such a repair is indeed such an action.
Conversely, blaming your caddy for misreads is an action players are always allowed to take under the unwritten rules of golf, yet the Rules Guy finds it contemptible.
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Have a question about the Rules? Ask Guy Rules! Send your questions, confusion and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.
