a) Off the green
Except on the green, a player may have the line of play indicated by anyone, but no one may be positioned by the player on, near or in the extension of the line beyond the hole while the shot is being made. Any signal made by the player or with his knowledge to indicate the line must be removed before the stroke is made.
Exception: operating or holding up the flagstick - see Rule 17-1
b) On the green
If the player's ball is on the green, the player, his partner or one of their caddies may indicate a line for putting before the stroke, but not during the stroke, but may not touch the green. No signal to indicate a line for putting may be made anywhere.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULES:
Hole play - loss of hole; count play - two strokes.
Note: In team competitions, the Director of Golf may, in the notice of competition (Rule 33-1), authorize each individual team to appoint a person to give instruction (including indicating a line for putting) to its team members. The match management may impose conditions on the appointment and permitted actions of such a person. This person must be named to the match management before instruction is given.
Status: 2018
