Should you wait to give others an opportunity to get into a position where they can learn from your putt?

Question

In a 2 on 2 match, friendly league play, isn't it proper ettiquette to wait. Since golf is a gentleman's sport, it seems to me that this courtesy should be extended without question. It's not that some hurry to putt so others can't see their line, it's just that they are impatient and are just not considering the fact that others may want to see their putt. I think it's just inconsiderate.

Answer 1

in golf it is your responsibility to play your game at your pace, without holding up or rushing others, it is not your responsibility to show another player the line, if they want to see the line, they need to get in position without bothering the player putting.

Answer 2

If they were smart golfers, they would realize that they had something to gain by watching the line of your putt, so they should be in position to get a read by the time you are ready to putt.  Also, it is dis-courteous to stand behind someone when they are getting ready to play a shot.  The only thing you are accomplishing by waiting fo them to get into position to watch is slowing your group down.

Answer 3

I think you're talking about the difference between golf etiquette and gamesmanship. If it was a matter of golf etiquette then the other player would say "thank you for showing me the line". That never happens.

It's merely a matter of gamesmanship. If he's not there to see the line, that's his problem. You're out there for a good time, not a long time. Go ahead and putt.

Answer 4

No you don't need to wait just to be courteous.  If your partner is on the same line, you by all means want him to get a good look at the putt, but you don't have to wait for a fellow competitor.  If they aren't bright enough to watch your putt then too bad for them.

Answer 5

Everyone is different. It's best to establish these kinds of "rules" before the round with your playing partners. Just ask.

And if it was "friendly league play" then I doubt anyone would take the issue too seriously. If someone's doing something you don't like, ask them to stop.

Answer 6

If you are away and ready to play, then play.  The only caveat is that in order for someone to gain a line from your putt, they would be on the same line inside of your ball, so you should wait until they mark their ball.  However, if they aren't in position when you are ready to play, then go ahead and putt.  Waiting only contributes to slow play.

Answer 7

Are you asking a question here or just throwing something out there to fire back at your responders?  First off there's no rule that states you can't stand behind another player.  Second, you're the rude one for replying back after every person answers and telling them they're wrong.  I think this is an amateur question actually, I've never seen anyone 'hurry to putt so someone else can't see their line", or on the contrary, someone rushing to the green to witness another players putt break.  This is just part of the game and there's really no etiquette involved in this question.  Just a novice opinion on your part.  Good luck.

Answer 8

Pace of play is of greater concern.  If they're concerned about seeing your line, they'd be in position.  Not saying you should rush, but you shouldn't wait for someone to get in position either.

Answer 9

Is it safe to assume that you're upset that one of the players didn't wait for you to learn from their putt?

I have a feeling you're going to disagree with anyone who says it's NOT inconsiderate.

By the way, it's not inconsiderate at all.  It's not the other players job to help you read your putt.....friendly competition or not.

Answer 10

Absolutely not.  You play when you're ready to play.  That would be like saying its considerate or poor etiquette to hit good shots when your opponent is playing poorly.  Your game is your responsibility and his game is his responsibility.  I'm a professional and I've played in thousands of competitions and trust me, you're wrong on this one.  

OK, now that I've read your additions, I'm really sure you're wrong!  You are WAY OFF on this one.