Question about putting rules

[Simonlap]

This morning I happened to play with a fellow who would stand with one foot on each side of his putting line and would hold the putter with both hands in what seemed an awkward grip and putt that way (he was almost standing over his ball).

He did that for pretty much every putt inside 5 feet and put it in every time.

Now since this was a friendly round and I had never met the man before I didn't even mention anything, but I am wondering if that would be a legal way to putt.

Thanks to everyone.

[Arrt]

I didn't think any putting style is illegal. Could be wrong I guess.

[AAA]

Rule 16-1
e. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt
The player must not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.

ie Similar to a croquet stroke.

[Arrt]

wow, thats interesting thanks AAA

[jonf]

Ya, there was an older member at the course I worked at who putted like that. Had an old putter with wooden shaft and head that he basically pulled back like a pendulum and released. Was definitely illegal, but he was deadly with it.

[LobWedge]

Rule 16-1
e. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt
The player must not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.

ie Similar to a croquet stroke.

Also known as the "Sam Snead" Rule.

[Simonlap]

Thanks alot for the information.

[BC MIST]

Also known as the "Sam Snead" Rule.

This "croquet" style of putting was originally made "famous" by an obscure professional by the name of Bob Duden and then later copied by Snead until it was outlawed. Unfortunately, am old enough to have tried this method many decades ago and it is a most effective way to putt as one is obviously putting along the putting line versus 90* to it.

The closest legal version is to putt side saddle, which Snead eventually went to, and it is very effective, too.

A pic of Bob with "The Dude." http://puttmagic.com/golf1b.htm

[Kilroy]

I heard that Sam Sneed also caused the PGA tour to adopt a rule requiring players to wear shoes.

[stevek]

Rule 16-1
e. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt
The player must not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.

ie Similar to a croquet stroke.

I have a 8 acre lot where we sometimes have games of EXTREME croquet using 2-3 acres. I've always stroked the mallet like a golf club - are you saying this is wrong?

[LobWedge]

I have a 8 acre lot where we sometimes have games of EXTREME croquet using 2-3 acres. I've always stroked the mallet like a golf club - are you saying this is wrong?

I believe you'll have to post this question at www.ottawacroquet.com

[Sakuraba]

Is this technique legal off the green?

I've also always weilded the croquet mallet golf-style.

Tough to get around Steve's EXTREME 2-3 acre croquet field using any other technique I would imagine.

[AAA]

Is this technique legal off the green?

Yes. But try hitting the ball any distance

[stevek]

Is this technique legal off the green?

I've also always weilded the croquet mallet golf-style.

Tough to get around Steve's EXTREME 2-3 acre croquet field using any other technique I would imagine.

2-3 acres with 2-3 six or twelve packs along the way in 2-3 ice filled coolers.

It's ALMOST as much fun as golf!

[Kilroy]

Hit the ball, drag the cooler. Repeat.

[LobWedge]

Hit the ball, drag the cooler. Repeat.

The cooler gets progressively lighter throughout the day, yet becomes increasingly more difficult to control.

[stevek]

The cooler gets progressively lighter throughout the day, yet becomes increasingly more difficult to control.

Just when it empties, the next cooler shows up!! Makes for a nice summer day!

[Martin B]

There is an exception to the rule against standing astride the line of putt - you may do so without penalty if it was done inadvertenly or to avoid stand in another golfers line.