Is it legal to use a level on a golf green?

Question

I have a hard time reading breaks some times on the green. I am a pretty decent golfer (4 handicap) but I have a hard time reading which way the green breaks sometimes. I am considering using a 3 to 4 foot level to bring with me onto the green to see which way it breaks. I know I will look like a dork, but if it helps my game, so be it.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

How did you get to be a four handicap and not be able to read greens?  Anyway a level would be an artificial device and not legal to use.  Read some of Pelz' volumes on the short game - then you will really be a mess on the green.

Answer 2

well there is a rule against teaching aids I don't thing it will be legal.  I say if you're not playing in a tournament go for it.  Yeah you will look a little strange but hey......you might start a trend.

Answer 3

well i've never had this question come up, but i'm gonna say it's illegal. it would be considered a "teaching aid" (which there are rules against) and would pretty much be akin to rolling a ball on the green to figure out how it was breaking. Afterall, if it WAS ok, you KNOW you'd see the pros using them.

Answer 4

It isn't legal. In fact you would be DQ'd from any competition. But what you can do is stand over (Not on of course) your line and see which foot is higher. You can also just look from 90 degrees to see if the ball is above or below the hole. Putting isn't golf. Golf is putting. Good luck man

Answer 5

Not legal. It would be considered  "an artificial device or unusual equipment". Rule 14-3.

Answer 6

in addition to being against the rules of golf, it goes against the dignity of the game.  It is a good idea for the practice green but as a courtesy to everyone else playing on the course, please dont.  play on most courses is way too slow as it is.

Answer 7

Rule 14-3 b " for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play;" If the level  is revealing a condition which indicates a slope  then it is assisting  the play and in violation of the rule cited.