My recent playing partners told me I broke a rule of golf when I took a full practice swing while on the teeing ground. I was not near my ball, and not aiming at the green, so clearly it was not a stroke since there was no intention to hit the ball. They claim that I can take full practice swings only when off the teeing ground. Did I break a rule?

As a further question, if I make a practice swing, near my ball, aiming at the green, but a step further away from my ball (so I can't possibly hit it), am I breaking a rule? I have seen many players do this. Does it make a difference if I am on the teeing ground?

Oh, a further piece of information. I play to USGA rules. My playing partners are from Switzerland so play by whatever rules apply there. We thought they would be the same rules. Does that make a difference?

Thanks,
Ken