Pairs match play ruling question

[tigger12]

Match play. Players A & B against Players C & D.
On the green Player A is away with a birdie putt. His teammate Player B has a shorter par putt and Player A wants him to go first.
However, Player B will have to stand in the line of Player C of the other team.
Player C says you can’t stand in my line to putt.
Player B says he has the right to putt first and is allowed to stand in the line.
What is the ruling?

[jvincent]

Unless there is a decision on this, there is no specific rule that says you can't step on your competitors line. It's certainly bad etiquette.

If it's done carefully and the line is altered/damaged I don't think there is anything you C/D can do.

[justsomeguy]

There is no Rule of Golf that I can find that prohibits standing in the line of putt of another player. It is a courtesy not to, but there is no penalty for doing so - and in match play it can be unavoidable.

However, Player C is entitled to the same conditions on the green as when his ball came to rest when it is his turn to play, so if Player B caused any damage to the green on Player C's line of putt then Player C can repair the damage.

[tigger12]

Thanks for the fast replies.
By the way I find this one of the interesting sections of the forum.
I learn something when I read these threads.