Rules of putting in golf are not always complicated but it’s important to be aware of them, especially when playing in a golf tournament.
It’s common for a golf official to employ the standing astride golf rule in a tournament. They are not going to be as relaxed with standing astride in golf due to it providing an unfair advantage during play.
So, what is the standing astride golf rule?
The standing astride golf rule refers to a golfer having one or both feet in the line of play (straight line from ball to hole). If one foot is in line from the ball to the hole, this is referred to as standing astride and can make it easier to putt the golf ball. A player will be penalized if they do this.
The rules of golf for a putting stroke are strict when it comes to standing astride as a golfer. If you do stand astride in golf, you will face the consequences of receiving a penalty.
This is why going through the putting green rules is a must including the putting stance rules.
This guide will take a look at the standing astride golf rule based on the line of play golf rules.
What Is The Standing Astride Golf Rule?
The standing astride golf rule is Rule 10.1c in the USGA rule book and refers to a golfer standing in the line of play from the golf ball to the putt. This line also extends past the golf hole. If one foot is on this line, it is referred to as standing astride and is seen as an unfair advantage.
This is one of the rules of golf for the putting stance and has to be followed. You will want to account for this putting rule right away if you are entering a golf tournament.
This is the main stand astride meaning for golfers to understand.
Always know where the line of play is when putting. It’s the only way to make sure you are not stepping into the line of play and therefore welcoming a penalty.
What Is The Penalty For The Standing Astride Golf Rule?
The penalty for standing astride in golf is severe and can lead to the loss of a golf hole as soon as this judgment comes from a golf official. It is called immediately by golf officials in tournaments. For stroke play matches, it is possible to receive a 2-stroke penalty for standing astride as a golfer.
You will want to be careful when it comes to your putting stance as a golfer.
If you break the golf rules, you are going to face this standing astride penalty in golf right away. It is a lot easier to aim by doing this and that’s why it is seen as being illegal.
Tips For Not Standing Astride In Golf
1. Maintain A Parallel Stance
How do you avoid standing astride in golf?
The best way to avoid standing astride in golf is to maintain a parallel stance. This will automatically make sure you are not standing astride with one foot or both feet in the line of play while putting.
A parallel stance will mean making sure you are facing the golf ball and the feet are next to each other.
The moment you don’t do this is when it becomes more likely for you to stand astride as a golfer.
2. Feel Free To Reset Your Stance
Let’s assume you look down at your golf stance and feel like it might be astride.
What are your options in a situation such as this?
Are you out of luck with no way out?
No, you are more than welcome to reset your golf stance and it is common for golfers to do this. The golf official is not going to assign the penalty until the stroke is played.
Just like the rules for your golf putters or the rules for your golf balls, you need to keep this in mind too when you are putting.
Just reset your stance and play the shot if you notice your stance is off.
What Is The Line Of Play In Golf?
The line of play in golf refers to the imaginary line from where the golf ball is to the hole. It will also extend past the hole. The line of play is cited to make sure the space from the golf ball to the hole is kept clear throughout the shot.
If it is not kept clear, this is seen as a disadvantage.
It’s also normal for golfers to want to avoid standing in the line of play for other golfers too. This helps make sure the golf ball’s path is not corrupted due to the golf shoe damaging the line of play for another golfer.
When Can You Stand Astride In Golf?
There is only one situation where you can stand astride in golf. This is when another golfer’s line of play is determined to be close to where a golfer is going to be standing when playing their shot. In this scenario, it’s common for golfers to stand astride to avoid ruining the other golfer’s line of play.
A golf official will overlook this as they will also be aware of the situation.
If there is any doubt, it’s best to speak to a golf official to clarify this and see what their opinion on the matter is.
Final Thoughts
What is the standing astride rule in golf?
The standing astride golf rule refers to the line of play when putting. If one or both feet are in the line of play (imaginary line from the ball to the hole) this is seen as a golfer “standing astride”. It’s essential to keep the line of play clear during the shot.
It’s important to consider the rules of golf for all situations.
This includes assessing whether golf chippers are legalized, how to locate a golf ball in the woods, knowing the regulations for playing skins golf, and how legal golf spin wedges are.