Is this against the rules ??

I'm working really hard on my allignment at the moment.

This is what I do: I step behind the ball and choose my line of target. I then place something (Usually a leaf) on this line about 2 yards from the ball so I can check I'm square to the target line. I am finding it very helpfull but is it against the rules ??

Often there is something on my target line; a leaf or muddy patch so I don't have to do a thing but other times I have to move the object a few inches to make sure it's on the correct line.

Anybody ??

I'm going to assume it is, though I'm not positive. Pro's are always talking about how they are doing that, but by picking out something that is there already, ie a leaf, mud spot, etc.

If you were to say what you are doing is legal, you could also then lay down a shaft or something else pointing in the direction you want to swing... which definitely sounds illegal to me.

it is illegal. unless you REMOVE the "Line of Play Indicator" Prior to your swing.

Vjay puts a club down all the time then removes it before he swings. But you can line your shot up using whatever is ALREADY on the ground etc... Trees in distance, Leaves near your ball etc...

Thanks.

As I said, most of the time there is something to line me up but now I know not to move the object.

By the way does Vijay put the club down like you mentioned on the golf course or just when he's practising ?

you cant place anything in front of your ball for alignment but you can tee your ball behind a divot, old tee, leaf or anything thats already there,thats what i've been doing and helps alot.

On the golf coarse and in tournament play is what I heard on T.v.
He leaves it there during practice as he makes those 4 ft gouges in the turf.

"The secret to golf is in the dirt!" -Ben Hogan i think?

Rule 8-2 Indicating Line of Play
a. Other Than on Putting Green
Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated to him by anyone, but no one may be positioned by the player on or close to the line or an extension of the line beyond the hole while the stroke is being made. Any mark placed by the player or with his knowledge to indicate the line must be removed before the stroke is made.

b. On the Putting Green
When the player's ball is on the putting green, the player, his partner or either of their caddies may, before but not during the stroke, point out a line for putting, but in so doing the putting green must not be touched. A mark must not be placed anywhere to indicate a line for putting.

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