AboutMichael Hoffman Expertise I have been a golf professional since 1981. I was elected into the PGA in 1987. I attained my master clubfitter certificate in 1992. I have given thousands of lessons over the years and I can answer questions about instruction, golf in general, rules, equipment, practice techniques etc.
I have served served on the board of directors of the Southern Texas PGA for twelve years and was the President from 2002-2003.
Experience I started as as assistant golf professional in 1981. I have been a head golf professional at several clubs as well as the general manager at two clubs. I am master clubfitter and have given many individual as well as group lessons over the years. I was the President of the Southern Texas PGA 4 years ago. I have been a rules official for the tour qualifying school as well as other events. I have won the Merchandiser of the year award in our section twice.
Question In a matchplay competition my ball was on the green and several centimeters directly in front of an opponents ball. To allow him to putt first I placed my putter head next to my ball and and placed a marker a club width from its original location (which was a club width to the side)so that he could then putt without any interference. After he putted I replace my ball back to its original position.I was advised that this procedure was incorrect and I have to mark the ball first with a marker then measure with the putter to the side. As the ball was not moved until the new spot was measured and clearly marked I cannot see this as being an infrigement as the ball was not moved until its new position was marked and rules state that you can use a putter head to mark the ball. In this case the putter head was only for accutate distance for later relocation.The ball was later replaced back to its original spot before putting. Could you please advise if the process I did was correct as from what I have experienced it is a common practice. Thank you.
Answer John,
What you did is a very common practice. I see players do this all the time. However, it is not the proper way to move a marker out of someone's line.
You must first mark the ball with a circular object. Then by using the putter head,line up to an object such as tree, and move the circular object to the toe end of the putter. Continue in this manner until it is out of your opponents way.
You may have accomplished the same thing the way you did it, but it doesn't comply with the USGA or The Royal and Ancient.
