Marking and lifting ball while putting

2,531 Views | 26 Replies | Last: 7 mo ago by 93MarineHorn
Fdsa
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:11p, 6/17/25
For anyone that has played competitive golf growing up, how disrespectful do you consider it when another player has their ball on the green while you are putting (assuming it is no where near your line).

I'm not talking about a casual round with buddies.

Background: My daughter plays a lot of youth golf and pace of play is always an issue. One of the more painfully slow spots I have observed is on the putting green. Everyone waits to start their routine until the other player has putted etc. I have encouraged my daughter to go through almost her entire routine of reading her putt, placing her ball, etc if she is well out of the way of the player who is putting.

Some look at her and question the concept…thoughts on this?
Reply Quote
2 edits
snowaggie
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:35p, 6/17/25
You're talking about competitive and I have no experience with that. But I usually say "Does that bother you there?" and if the answer is "no" then I proceed to analyze my putt without marking while they putt. That is if I'm not in their line-of-sight or too close to them. I'm sure there are different definitions of those two things, and I've probably upset some serious types.
Reply Quote
5
EliteElectric
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Fdsa • 1:07p, 6/17/25
Fdsa said:
For anyone that has played competitive golf growing up, how disrespectful do you consider it when another player has their ball on the green while you are putting (assuming it is no where near your line).

I'm not talking about a casual round with buddies.

Background: My daughter plays a lot of youth golf and pace of play is always an issue. One of the more painfully slow spots I have observed is on the putting green. Everyone waits to start their routine until the other player has putted etc. I have encouraged my daughter to go through almost her entire routine of reading her putt, placing her ball, etc if she is well out of the way of the player who is putting.

Some look at her and question the concept…thoughts on this?
My 11yo plays STPGA and PGA Jr, and I always endorse and encourage ready golf. My daughter always marks and cleans her ball, then, if she is out of line of sight for the other girl/s she places her ball and gets ready to go.

The acorn never falls far from the tree and she hates slow play, just like her daddy.
Reply Quote
1
FTAco07
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:07p, 6/17/25
AG
I hate slow play and it drives me insane when someone isn't doing anything while others are putting and waits until it is their turn to read their put, place their ball, and go through their routine. Read your putt while others are doing the same and as long as your mark isn't in someone else's line or primary field of vision place your ball and line it up if you use a line while leaving your mark in place until its your turn.
Reply Quote
14
Aggie369
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:07p, 6/17/25
AG
Perfectly acceptable

I would encourage it

I don't putt with a line on my ball but I start my green reading process as soon as I get to the green. If im say 90 degrees away and my ball isn't too close the hole then my ball is down ready to go
Reply Quote
2
NColoradoAG
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:13p, 6/17/25
This is always a tricky one. The crux of the issue usually seems to be when to place the ball on the surface.

I am one who marks my ball, cleans it, reads my putt, and puts my ball back aligned to my spot as quick as possible. I would personally prefer everyone do the same. This is assuming everything I am doing is not near the line of another players putt.

Some folks do get a bit bent out of shape or hurried when the ball goes down. I tend to feel out the group. If a player is always looking at my ball and acting hurried because of it, I will just ask if that bothers them. If it does, from that point on I am doing everything else except placing my ball on the putting surface prior to the players who are away
Reply Quote
1
Fdsa
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:22p, 6/17/25
Appreciate all the feedback - I'm pressing forward with continuing it. I see it as a sign of respect to others to get on with it, and help everyone play faster.
Reply Quote
Fdsa
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to EliteElectric • 1:24p, 6/17/25
Yes, STPGA I'm talking about…I'll probably mention this to starters now so they can encourage it. I bet more kids quit STPGA because of slow rounds more than anything.
Reply Quote
1
EliteElectric
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Fdsa • 1:32p, 6/17/25
Fdsa said:
Yes, STPGA I'm talking about…I'll probably mention this to starters now so they can encourage it. I bet more kids quit STPGA because of slow rounds more than anything.
That and ****ty parents. We have had some parents that are ugly. We played with a girl a few weeks ago who shot 70. One of the parents in our group says to her "just write down a 9 on each hole and do us all a favor" . I was floored. I pulled he tourney director aside and let him know about it. We encouraged the girl, even though it was obvious she didn't want to be there, but to be openly ugly to a child was across the line for me. I mean we go out and try to win every time we tee it up, but we keep to ourself and just play golf. The ugliness from some of the parents I could do without.
Reply Quote
1
Aggie369
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Fdsa • 1:35p, 6/17/25
AG
Teach them now!

I play fast and I will lean towards not playing with people who are slow. I play ready golf in every group unless we are playing for money.

People who wait to get yardages and pick clubs and start their pre shot routine AFTER someone else hits are beyond frustrating to play with.
Reply Quote
16
Aggie369
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to EliteElectric • 1:36p, 6/17/25
AG
Nothing wrong with letting that parent know that their comment was uncalled for either
Reply Quote
2
EliteElectric
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Aggie369 • 1:39p, 6/17/25
Aggie369 said:
Teach them now!

I play fast and I will lean towards not playing with people who are slow. I play ready golf in every group unless we are playing for money.

People who wait to get yardages and pick clubs and start their pre shot routine AFTER someone else hits are beyond frustrating to play with.
or the guy who can't hit it out of his own shadow that waits for the green to clear 300+ in front of him before he hits
Reply Quote
4
EliteElectric
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Aggie369 • 1:40p, 6/17/25
Aggie369 said:
Nothing wrong with letting that parent know that their comment was uncalled for either
Oh we did. My 11yo at one point was like "come on lady she's trying"
Reply Quote
2
G Martin 87
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to EliteElectric • 2:28p, 6/17/25
AG
EliteElectric said:
Aggie369 said:
Teach them now!

I play fast and I will lean towards not playing with people who are slow. I play ready golf in every group unless we are playing for money.

People who wait to get yardages and pick clubs and start their pre shot routine AFTER someone else hits are beyond frustrating to play with.
or the guy who can't hit it out of his own shadow that waits for the green to clear 300+ in front of him before he hits
This is the most frustrating thing for me. I know my driver distance very well, and it's consistent. When the group in front of us moves out of my range, I'll announce "I know I can't reach them, so I'll go ahead if y'all don't mind." That usually breaks the ice and gets everyone on the clock.
Reply Quote
8
EliteElectric
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to G Martin 87 • 2:31p, 6/17/25
Same
Reply Quote
2
aggiedent
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
2:32p, 6/17/25
AG
I have always started the green reading process the second I get to the green, often before I repair my ball mark. It really helps to speed up play. Drives me nuts when it's someone else's turn and they haven't even started the process.

That said, I really try not to move at all when people are about to putt. In some ways, it's movement on the edge of my periphery that bothers me the most.
Reply Quote
3
CFTXAG10
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Fdsa • 3:05p, 6/17/25
AG
Fdsa said:
For anyone that has played competitive golf growing up, how disrespectful do you consider it when another player has their ball on the green while you are putting (assuming it is no where near your line).
That last part is the key for me. You are raising her right. Anybody that is doing what they can to improve pace of play gets a gold star in my book. Now, if someone I was playing with said something (never happens) I would certainly accommodate. As long as I am not moving until the ball is struck it shouldn't affect the outcome in that scenario.
Reply Quote
DannyDuberstein
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:54p, 6/17/25
AG
Your daughter is doing the right thing. Stay with it.
Reply Quote
1
EliteElectric
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:31a, 6/18/25
I have one more thing to add to this thread, and I have been playing golf since I was 8, I am over 50 now. It only takes one person in a group playing ready golf for the others to get the hint and start hurrying along. It's been my experience that most people are "over courteous" as to not offend the others. They take etiquette a bit too far intentionally so as to not hair lip the group. When I pull up with music playing and I tee my ball while the guy before Me's ball is still in the air, they get the message and everyone relaxes. Golf can be way too stuffy at times for it's own good. It's supposed to be fun. Let the others in your group know it's ok to hit while the other guy is looking for his ball, or hit out of honor sequence when the other guys are flirting with the cart girl etc. Move along and try to keep your rounds under 4 hours. And for the love of God let faster groups play through!!!


Signed -
a fat old guy who likes to play fast

Reply Quote
6
JB93
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:59a, 6/18/25
Ball on the green out of my line - completely fine.

Reading the putt and generally moving around in my peripheral vision while I'm putting - completely not fine. As long as that player can stand back along the line of their putt and read it where I can't see them that is aok. But don't be 15 feet to my right going through your aim point and remarking your ball to set the alignment line while I am trying to putt.
Reply Quote
1
boy09
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:06a, 6/18/25
AG
In my mind, marking your ball is for cleaning your ball and avoiding penalties. "Good etiquette" be damned. I think playing quickly is better etiquette anyway than leaving a golf ball sitting on the green 20+ feet away from another player putting.

If it bothered someone enough that they asked me to mark it, then of course i would.
Reply Quote
DannyDuberstein
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to JB93 • 9:52a, 6/18/25
AG
Which as he described, she doesn't do. But all of that should be fine while you're still reading your putt. Once you go to address your ball, then stop
Reply Quote
Fdsa
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to EliteElectric • 1:43p, 6/18/25
EliteElectric said:
I have one more thing to add to this thread, and I have been playing golf since I was 8, I am over 50 now. It only takes one person in a group playing ready golf for the others to get the hint and start hurrying along. It's been my experience that most people are "over courteous" as to not offend the others. They take etiquette a bit too far intentionally so as to not hair lip the group. When I pull up with music playing and I tee my ball while the guy before Me's ball is still in the air, they get the message and everyone relaxes. Golf can be way too stuffy at times for it's own good. It's supposed to be fun. Let the others in your group know it's ok to hit while the other guy is looking for his ball, or hit out of honor sequence when the other guys are flirting with the cart girl etc. Move along and try to keep your rounds under 4 hours. And for the love of God let faster groups play through!!!


Signed -
a fat old guy who likes to play fast

agree…one of my most favorite pace of play moves I've seen. Players Championship 2015, Sunday morning, some group out of the running. Player would hit their approach shot ball and start walking down the fairway - playing partner would then hit OVER walking partner who would sometimes be 70-80 yards ahead. That's efficiency.
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
DGrimesAg92
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Fdsa • 9:55p, 6/18/25
Fdsa said:
Yes, STPGA I'm talking about…I'll probably mention this to starters now so they can encourage it. I bet more kids quit STPGA because of slow rounds more than anything.


I've been doing this for 11 years with my 17 yr old son and it does not get any faster, no matter what. We've done them all, USGA, PGA, TJGT, STPGA, LJT, AJGA, and TAPPS for High School. Process and routine is more important than pace of play as they get older. AJGA is another animal though, they stay on their butts and speed is of the essence, to the point of annoyance.
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
AgLA06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Fdsa • 11:46a, 6/19/25
AG
Fdsa said:
Yes, STPGA I'm talking about…I'll probably mention this to starters now so they can encourage it. I bet more kids quit STPGA because of slow rounds more than anything.


Keep in mind per their policy, kids are supposed to putt out once the hit their first putt so players aren't standing around trying to figure out who's turn it is. And other players can read tgrir putts and be ready when it's their turn. You're also supposed to head to the next tee and be ready to tee off if you finish putting out first.

Of course I rarely see this as it only works to speed up play if kids are only hitting good putts. Which isn't necessary the case. So we do our best to pay attention to other players, but focus on our game and being ready to go as soon as possible.
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
zephyr88
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:29p, 6/19/25
AG
I've played competitively in a number leagues thru the years.

I don't think it's a big deal - as long as it's not in the way.

If it helps the pace of play, I'm all for it.
Reply Quote
1
93MarineHorn
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:59p, 6/19/25
I think everything depends on whether or not you're waiting on the group in front of you. Guys that still want to play fast when the course is backed up and get annoyed when you take an extra 20 seconds to look at a putt are pouty little b/tches.

That said, if it's wide open and the group behind is waiting, you need to expedite everything. Many times I've been the lone guy in a foursome that seems to have any awareness of this and it is infuriating. It's like some golfers have an FU attitude towards everyone behind them.
Reply Quote
4
1 edit
Refresh
Page 1 of 1
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.