Lesson 2: The Line of The Putt
The line of the putt is the path the ball will travel from where it is sitting to the hole. Reading this line — figuring out how the slope of the green will curve the ball — is one of the most important skills in golf.
There is a crucial etiquette rule: never step on another player’s line. Walking on the grass between someone’s ball and the hole can press down or damage the grass and affect how their ball rolls.
You may not always know exactly where another player’s line is, but you can always choose to walk around the area near the hole rather than across it. When in doubt, go wide.
This rule requires awareness — you have to think about where other people’s balls are and where their putts might need to travel. It is a form of consideration that makes you a good playing partner.
Etiquette: Never walk on or near the line of another player’s putt. Step over it or walk well around it.
Why does it matter if someone steps on the line of your putt? Can you see the grass being damaged? If you can’t see the damage, does it still matter?
On the practice green, place two balls 15 feet from the hole in different positions. Draw an imaginary line from each ball to the hole. Now practice walking around the green without crossing either imaginary line — even when it means taking a longer route. Add a third ball and repeat. Talk about: when you are watching your own putt, it can be easy to forget about everyone else’s lines. How can you remember?