During match play, like Ryder Cup, we often see
players putt a couple after completing that hole.
We never see that in stroke play.
Is there a rule that states you can't practice putt during
stroke or medal play?
Thank you.
Lou from Victoria, BC, Canada
Dear Lou,
Players are permitted to practice putting or chipping on or
near the putting green of the hole they last played or the teeing ground of
their next hole [Rule 7-2]. This Rule applies to both match play and stroke
play.
You may not practice from a hazard, and you may not practice
if it will unduly delay play. So if the group behind you is waiting to hit to
the green, or the group in front of you is out of range of your tee shot on the
next hole, you may not practice.
The reason you see the pros on television take extra putts
in match play but not in stroke play has nothing to do with the formats and
everything to do with the Committee. Note 2 to Rule 7-2 allows a Committee to
prohibit practice on or near the putting green of the hole last played. This
prohibition would appear in the Conditions of the Competition, and it does in
many professional events.
When you play in a tournament, always read the Conditions of
the Competition with great care. If the Conditions do not specifically prohibit
practice putting on the hole you last played, you may do so, in both match play
and stroke play.
Linda
Copyright © 2015 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
