Question from Gary John Nelson:
Here is one that a guy asked me last week and I didn’t know, you are in a 4 ball better ball and you want your partner to hole out to give you a run at your own putt but he is standing on your line, so he takes his golf shoes off and putts in his socks or bare feet so as not to damage your line of putt, is that allowed?
Answer:
I have searched through the Rules and Decisions on the Rules but have not come across anything that covers this particular topic. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules.
There are situations for example where a player wishes to play his ball out of a water hazard and needs to stand in the hazard to play his shot and it would thus be quite acceptable to remove his shoes & socks. This situation occurred in two European Tour events when Henrik Stenson played his ball out of a water hazard and removed his shoes, socks and pants. Jean van de Velda removed his shoes & socks to play out of a water hazard at the British Open in 1999 at Carnoustie. So yes, under these circumstances it is acceptable.
The fact that a player would find it necessary to remove his shoes/socks on the putting green so as not to damage the line of a putt does not seem reasonable to me, however permissible it would be in terms of the Rules. All the player needs to do is ensure that he treads carefully when taking his stance and when he steps away after putting or to take his stance in such a manner that he does not stand on the line of putt of the other player.
