Walking through putting lines

[Imp]

[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383038592' post='8072573']
I played golf with a guy in July and he's still beefing that I forgot not to walk across his line of putt maybe a coupla times. (it' now OCTOBER) I guess I may not play him again; life's too short to dwell on such matters. Sure I would not deliberately do it to him, but this was just an oversight in a friendly (or not so friendly) game. Another friend regularly touches sand. So what?
[/quote]The more he says it to you, maybe, hopefully, it will sink in that you should be paying attention and not walking on peoples lines. I'm sure he'll keep saying it until you can mind your surroundings. It's sorta a big deal... as much as not yelling "Noonan!" during a putt.

--kC

[Fourmyle of Ceres]

Some otherwise reasonably guys have this ONE THING they are just nutso about. There's a guy in our usual dogfight game who's as nice and laid-back as anyone you'd want to meet. But do not, ever, under any circumstances talk while he is addressing the ball and making his swing. He'll be grumpy for the rest of the round.

I've met another guy years ago who likewise was totally unflappable and pleasant to be around...until someone stepped on the line of his putt. Then he got huffy and spent the next few holes making sarcastic comments every time the group stepped on the green.


Don't know how a nice person develops one hot-button issue like that on the golf course but for some it becomes a lifetime affliction.

[rogolf]

[quote name='Fourmyle of Ceres' timestamp='1383049719' post='8072833']
Some otherwise reasonably guys have this ONE THING they are just nutso about. There's a guy in our usual dogfight game who's as nice and laid-back as anyone you'd want to meet. But do not, ever, under any circumstances talk while he is addressing the ball and making his swing. He'll be grumpy for the rest of the round.

I've met another guy years ago who likewise was totally unflappable and pleasant to be around...until someone stepped on the line of his putt. Then he got huffy and spent the next few holes making sarcastic comments every time the group stepped on the green.


Don't know how a nice person develops one hot-button issue like that on the golf course but for some it becomes a lifetime affliction.
[/quote]


That's why it is important to understand, respect and observe all aspects of golf etiquette at all times, particularly if you are playing with people you are even slightly unfamiliar with. People will form opinions about you, correctly or incorrectly, based on their observations and experiences of you and your behaviour on the golf course.

Also note that these "hot buttons" don't only exist on the golf course!

[e6be26]

[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1383046962' post='8072727']
[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383038592' post='8072573']
I played golf with a guy in July and he's still beefing that I forgot not to walk across his line of putt maybe a coupla times. (it' now OCTOBER) I guess I may not play him again; life's too short to dwell on such matters. Sure I would not deliberately do it to him, but this was just an oversight in a friendly (or not so friendly) game. Another friend regularly touches sand. So what?
[/quote]The more he says it to you, maybe, hopefully, it will sink in that you should be paying attention and not walking on peoples lines. I'm sure he'll keep saying it until you can mind your surroundings. It's sorta a big deal... as much as not yelling "Noonan!" during a putt.

--kC
[/quote]I am talking about two occurrences on one day in July. How many mistakes have you made in your life? Do you keep a list? Do your friends remind you every New Year of that time you walked into a friends house without removing your shoes? Of course not.
I listened at the time when he mentioned it and made a mental note (it "sank in"). I just don't need him to bring it up time after time. It's not like I'm a repeat offender.

[e6be26]

[quote name='rogolf' timestamp='1383054560' post='8073171']
[quote name='Fourmyle of Ceres' timestamp='1383049719' post='8072833']
Some otherwise reasonably guys have this ONE THING they are just nutso about. There's a guy in our usual dogfight game who's as nice and laid-back as anyone you'd want to meet. But do not, ever, under any circumstances talk while he is addressing the ball and making his swing. He'll be grumpy for the rest of the round.

I've met another guy years ago who likewise was totally unflappable and pleasant to be around...until someone stepped on the line of his putt. Then he got huffy and spent the next few holes making sarcastic comments every time the group stepped on the green.


Don't know how a nice person develops one hot-button issue like that on the golf course but for some it becomes a lifetime affliction.
[/quote]


That's why it is important to understand, respect and observe all aspects of golf etiquette at all times, particularly if you are playing with people you are even slightly unfamiliar with. People will form opinions about you, correctly or incorrectly, based on their observations and experiences of you and your behaviour on the golf course.

Also note that these "hot buttons" don't only exist on the golf course!
[/quote]Whilst it's important to respect conventions and do your best not to tread on toes, I also think it's important to move on and not to treat simple omissions as war crimes.

I used to be a caddie in my early youth, and it put me off golf as golfers struck me as bad tempered and I wondered why they played. Many years since then I have found that not to be true.

One should aim not to breach etiquette, even unconsciously, but by the same token those who are offended by naive breaches should show better manners themselves and move on.

[e6be26]

[quote name='Newby' timestamp='1383044570' post='8072657']
[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383038592' post='8072573']Another friend regularly touches sand. So what?
[/quote]

In a Qualifying comp ?
[/quote]Not a bit of it; he's had some lessons and is getting the hang of playing around a simple golf course without losing 36 balls. We keep score because he likes to, but I am hoping he will find out about the sand in his own good time; I'll not be the one to tell him.

[Sawgrass]

If a player walks in your line, sometimes it will make an impression or spike mark, sometimes it won't. But walking around a player's line will always give you the opportunity to show that you respect that game, and respect your fellow's. It is, at the very least, a nice ceremony.

From the etiquette section of the Rules:

[b] On the Putting Green[/b]

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player’s line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.
Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

[b] Conclusion; Penalties for Breach[/b]

If players follow the guidelines in this section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the Committee considers taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interests of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.
In the case of a serious breach of etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-33/#33-7"]33-7[/url].



Regarding yelling, "Noonan" to irritate someone, that is similarly against a different part of the etiquette section of the Rules, with the above possible penalty.

[myspinonit]

I did it at least a couple of times this year that I was made aware of by a friend in my men's group -in the same round. I made an effort not to walk on his line but he indicated I wasn't considering the break he needed to conduct the putt. Embarassing.

I've tried to be more conscious of that now...however it did me think when is that courtesy and when is that giving advice to a competitor.

And how much thought should I be giving to his break when I'm stepping to mark my ball? AFTER I initially mark is when I would expect him to ask me to remark it for his line if he so desired. In remarking, I would carefully consider where I step as he has identified his line. Am I "out of line"? What's the protocols here?

[rogolf]

[quote name='myspinonit' timestamp='1383059885' post='8073581']
I did it at least a couple of times this year that I was made aware of by a friend in my men's group -in the same round. I made an effort not to walk on his line but he indicated I wasn't considering the break he needed to conduct the putt. Embarassing.

I've tried to be more conscious of that now...however it did me think when is that courtesy and when is that giving advice to a competitor.

And how much thought should I be giving to his break when I'm stepping to mark my ball? AFTER I initially mark is when I would expect him to ask me to remark it for his line if he so desired. In remarking, I would carefully consider where I step as he has identified his line. Am I "out of line"? What's the protocols here?
[/quote]

When marking or moving a marker for another player, I always try to walk in from the low side, ie, below what may be his intended line of putt - even if it means walking all the way around behind him and his ball (or the hole).

[BlackDiamondPar5]

[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383056615' post='8073325']
[quote name='rogolf' timestamp='1383054560' post='8073171']
[quote name='Fourmyle of Ceres' timestamp='1383049719' post='8072833']
Some otherwise reasonably guys have this ONE THING they are just nutso about. There's a guy in our usual dogfight game who's as nice and laid-back as anyone you'd want to meet. But do not, ever, under any circumstances talk while he is addressing the ball and making his swing. He'll be grumpy for the rest of the round.

I've met another guy years ago who likewise was totally unflappable and pleasant to be around...until someone stepped on the line of his putt. Then he got huffy and spent the next few holes making sarcastic comments every time the group stepped on the green.


Don't know how a nice person develops one hot-button issue like that on the golf course but for some it becomes a lifetime affliction.
[/quote]


That's why it is important to understand, respect and observe all aspects of golf etiquette at all times, particularly if you are playing with people you are even slightly unfamiliar with. People will form opinions about you, correctly or incorrectly, based on their observations and experiences of you and your behaviour on the golf course.

Also note that these "hot buttons" don't only exist on the golf course!
[/quote]Whilst it's important to respect conventions and do your best not to tread on toes, I also think it's important to move on and not to treat simple omissions as war crimes.

I used to be a caddie in my early youth, and it put me off golf as golfers struck me as bad tempered and I wondered why they played. Many years since then I have found that not to be true.

[b]One should aim not to breach etiquette, even unconsciously, but by the same token those who are offended by naive breaches should show better manners themselves and move on.[/b]
[/quote]

Completely agree with everything you said, and really like your last sentence!

The guy who's line you accidentally stepped on in July (and he is still talking about it), is an ill tempered jerk. What you did was a minor accident, what he keeps doing is on purpose.

[myspinonit]

[quote name='rogolf' timestamp='1383060519' post='8073639']
[quote name='myspinonit' timestamp='1383059885' post='8073581']
I did it at least a couple of times this year that I was made aware of by a friend in my men's group -in the same round. I made an effort not to walk on his line but he indicated I wasn't considering the break he needed to conduct the putt. Embarassing.

I've tried to be more conscious of that now...however it did me think when is that courtesy and when is that giving advice to a competitor.

And how much thought should I be giving to his break when I'm stepping to mark my ball? AFTER I initially mark is when I would expect him to ask me to remark it for his line if he so desired. In remarking, I would carefully consider where I step as he has identified his line. Am I "out of line"? What's the protocols here?
[/quote]

When marking or moving a marker for another player, I always try to walk in from the low side, ie, below what may be his intended line of putt - even if it means walking all the way around behind him and his ball (or the hole).
[/quote]
Thanks. After I posted that I realized that (hopefully) I do that insinctively as routine...maybe I was just having a brainf**t round that day.

[Imp]

[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383056107' post='8073295']
[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1383046962' post='8072727']
[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383038592' post='8072573']
I played golf with a guy in July and he's still beefing that I forgot not to walk across his line of putt maybe a coupla times. (it' now OCTOBER) I guess I may not play him again; life's too short to dwell on such matters. Sure I would not deliberately do it to him, but this was just an oversight in a friendly (or not so friendly) game. Another friend regularly touches sand. So what?
[/quote]The more he says it to you, maybe, hopefully, it will sink in that you should be paying attention and not walking on peoples lines. I'm sure he'll keep saying it until you can mind your surroundings. It's sorta a big deal... as much as not yelling "Noonan!" during a putt.

--kC
[/quote]I am talking about two occurrences on one day in July. How many mistakes have you made in your life? Do you keep a list? Do your friends remind you every New Year of that time you walked into a friends house without removing your shoes? Of course not.
I listened at the time when he mentioned it and made a mental note (it "sank in"). I just don't need him to bring it up time after time. It's not like I'm a repeat offender.
[/quote]Do you have a mother in law? It's not that you made a single mistake, it's that you don't care (which is probably why he keeps bringing it up). Some people just are 'that way'.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong that he keeps doing it, but it can be avoided if you followed what Sawgrass posted, and followed proper etiquette.

In clubs, if you keep doing it, you can be booted... it's that egregious.

--kC

[mr_divots]

It's a small bit of decorum in a world where such things are quickly slipping away.
It's how I was raised to play the game- to mind ettiquette and pace of play. No one will have an issue with you if you follow the simple ettiquettes of this game. It's there [i]for [/i]the players, not to detract from the game.

And a foot print on a soft green is still something that happens, despite softspikes. [i]Don't[/i] do it and there is [i]never[/i] an issue.
(And yes, I AM "that guy" that always reminds people of ettiquette when playing.) I see too many people who never say anything to their friends on the course. They will never learn if no one ever says anything. Standing directly behind or in front of you putting or on the tee is something I will ask people to move, etc. Sometimes you get a look, but again, don't do it and no one says anything.

Consider the golf course a foreign country and abide by the local customs to avoid angering the locals. Easy.

[Newby]

[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383056780' post='8073335']
[quote name='Newby' timestamp='1383044570' post='8072657']
[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383038592' post='8072573']Another friend regularly touches sand. So what?
[/quote]

In a Qualifying comp ?
[/quote]Not a bit of it; he's had some lessons and is getting the hang of playing around a simple golf course without losing 36 balls. We keep score because he likes to, but I am hoping he will find out about the sand in his own good time; I'll not be the one to tell him.
[/quote]

You say he is a friend. Will he still be if he gets penalised in a qualifier when you could have helped him?

[e6be26]

[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1383066316' post='8074151']
[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383056107' post='8073295']
[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1383046962' post='8072727']
[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383038592' post='8072573']
I played golf with a guy in July and he's still beefing that I forgot not to walk across his line of putt maybe a coupla times. (it' now OCTOBER) I guess I may not play him again; life's too short to dwell on such matters. Sure I would not deliberately do it to him, but this was just an oversight in a friendly (or not so friendly) game. Another friend regularly touches sand. So what?
[/quote]The more he says it to you, maybe, hopefully, it will sink in that you should be paying attention and not walking on peoples lines. I'm sure he'll keep saying it until you can mind your surroundings. It's sorta a big deal... as much as not yelling "Noonan!" during a putt.

--kC
[/quote]I am talking about two occurrences on one day in July. How many mistakes have you made in your life? Do you keep a list? Do your friends remind you every New Year of that time you walked into a friends house without removing your shoes? Of course not.
I listened at the time when he mentioned it and made a mental note (it "sank in"). I just don't need him to bring it up time after time. It's not like I'm a repeat offender.
[/quote]Do you have a mother in law? It's not that you made a single mistake, it's that you don't care (which is probably why he keeps bringing it up). Some people just are 'that way'.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong that he keeps doing it, but it can be avoided if you followed what Sawgrass posted, and followed proper etiquette.

In clubs, if you keep doing it, you can be booted... it's that egregious.

--kC
[/quote]What makes you think that I don't care? If I didn't care I would be indulging in this exchange of views. Whilst I maybe very very old you may have noticed that I am a newbie. I only started playing and then not very often, less than four years ago. Everybody I have played against, other than my critic, has been more than generous. I was not deliberately contrary. I just not realised my mistake because it had never happened before, and I misunderstood the meaning of the words in the rules. I thought it applied to the period of time DURING the playing of the shot. Still never mind; a lot of you appear to think I am an evident and unconscionable terrorist, and I guess you behave like my critic. Fortunately for you the odds are we will never meet on a golf course.

[e6be26]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1383067242' post='8074263']
It's a small bit of decorum in a world where such things are quickly slipping away.
It's how I was raised to play the game- to mind ettiquette and pace of play. No one will have an issue with you if you follow the simple ettiquettes of this game. It's there [i]for [/i]the players, not to detract from the game.

And a foot print on a soft green is still something that happens, despite softspikes. [i]Don't[/i] do it and there is [i]never[/i] an issue.
(And yes, I AM "that guy" that always reminds people of ettiquette when playing.) I see too many people who never say anything to their friends on the course. They will never learn if no one ever says anything. Standing directly behind or in front of you putting or on the tee is something I will ask people to move, etc. Sometimes you get a look, but again, don't do it and no one says anything.

Consider the golf course a foreign country and abide by the local customs to avoid angering the locals. Easy.
[/quote]Certainly at the the time if you feel so strongly but three months later?

[mr_divots]

[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383077066' post='8075043']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1383067242' post='8074263']
It's a small bit of decorum in a world where such things are quickly slipping away.
It's how I was raised to play the game- to mind ettiquette and pace of play. No one will have an issue with you if you follow the simple ettiquettes of this game. It's there [i]for [/i]the players, not to detract from the game.

And a foot print on a soft green is still something that happens, despite softspikes. [i]Don't[/i] do it and there is [i]never[/i] an issue.
(And yes, I AM "that guy" that always reminds people of ettiquette when playing.) I see too many people who never say anything to their friends on the course. They will never learn if no one ever says anything. Standing directly behind or in front of you putting or on the tee is something I will ask people to move, etc. Sometimes you get a look, but again, don't do it and no one says anything.

Consider the golf course a foreign country and abide by the local customs to avoid angering the locals. Easy.
[/quote]Certainly at the the time if you feel so strongly but three months later?
[/quote]
I think you're quoting the wrong story here. Wasn't me.

[e6be26]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1383077386' post='8075071']
[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383077066' post='8075043']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1383067242' post='8074263']
It's a small bit of decorum in a world where such things are quickly slipping away.
It's how I was raised to play the game- to mind ettiquette and pace of play. No one will have an issue with you if you follow the simple ettiquettes of this game. It's there [i]for [/i]the players, not to detract from the game.

And a foot print on a soft green is still something that happens, despite softspikes. [i]Don't[/i] do it and there is [i]never[/i] an issue.
(And yes, I AM "that guy" that always reminds people of ettiquette when playing.) I see too many people who never say anything to their friends on the course. They will never learn if no one ever says anything. Standing directly behind or in front of you putting or on the tee is something I will ask people to move, etc. Sometimes you get a look, but again, don't do it and no one says anything.

Consider the golf course a foreign country and abide by the local customs to avoid angering the locals. Easy.
[/quote]Certainly at the the time if you feel so strongly but three months later?
[/quote]
I think you're quoting the wrong story here. Wasn't me.
[/quote]Obviously it wasn't you, my apologies if I created that impression. Incidentally the whole starts out about WALKING thru a putting line , which is what I did, but the rules say you must not STAND on the putting line. Small difference.

[Sawgrass]

[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383078237' post='8075139']
. . . Incidentally the whole starts out about WALKING thru a putting line , which is what I did, but the rules say you must not STAND on the putting line. Small difference.
[/quote]

The rules also fail to say that you must not sit on the putting line, or do a head stand on the putting line, or kneel on the putting line. Nevertheless I don't. Do you think I'm being overly fastidious?

[Petethreeput]

Wow. I am of the opinion if a person walks in my line and it is unintentional, then so be it. If the guy does a dance in my line and then flips me off (never happened) then I might get a little peeved.

It I just as poor etiquette to bring up a mistake over and over again, if not worse etiquette, than forgetting or not seeing one's mark and accidentally stepping in someone's line.

I have always obeyed the etiquette to the best of my ability, but I have had transgressions in the last 30 years of golfing, and I say "sorry."

If there is a concern about it read Pelz's putting Bible about the pool table, the green before anyone plays, and the green after a full day of play. IMO, a mistake like this is not going to make or break my game, or even ruin my day. Then this summer I was watching Steve Stricker reading a long putt. He walked up to the hole (and I cannot say for sure because it was TV and angles can be different), but it looked like he was in his own line getting a feel for the putt. I figure it like this, if Steve Stricker who is the best putter on tour can walk in his own line, then I figure an absentminded step won't ruin my day.

[jmkenn0]

My home course has very large greens - If I'm putting from 20+ feet, you could moonwalk through my line, probably wouldn't help or hurt. I always tell people to walk through my linke, because circling the entire green kind of sucks.

I always pay attention to where my partners are playing and try to stray away from their line if at all possible, however.

[HitEmTrue]

[quote name='Sawgrass' timestamp='1383084119' post='8075551']
Do you think I'm being overly fastidious?
[/quote]

Sawgrass, I'd have to get out a dictionary to answer that question!

[Sawgrass]

[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1383084490' post='8075577']
. . . Then this summer I was watching Steve Stricker reading a long putt. He walked up to the hole (and I cannot say for sure because it was TV and angles can be different), but it looked like he was in his own line getting a feel for the putt. I figure it like this, if Steve Stricker who is the best putter on tour can walk in his own line, then I figure an absentminded step won't ruin my day.
[/quote]

It is illegal to touch your own line of putt intentionally. I would guess that if you saw Mr. Stricker standing directly between his ball and the hole, it was only because there was a slope, and his intended line was not the straight line you saw him standing on.


[b] 16-1a/12[/b]

[b] Player Walks on Line of Putt[/b]

Q.A player walked on his line of putt. Did he incur a penalty for a breach of Rule <a href="http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-16/#16-1a">16-1a?
A.Yes, if he did so intentionally. No, if he did so accidentally and the act did not improve the line.

[Sawgrass]

[quote name='HitEmTrue' timestamp='1383085415' post='8075635']
[quote name='Sawgrass' timestamp='1383084119' post='8075551']
Do you think I'm being overly fastidious?
[/quote]

Sawgrass, I'd have to get out a dictionary to answer that question!
[/quote]

LOL.

Don't bother. If the definition to a word isn't in the Rules of Golf, it isn't important enough to have one.

[Petethreeput]

[quote name='Sawgrass' timestamp='1383085880' post='8075683']
[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1383084490' post='8075577']
. . . Then this summer I was watching Steve Stricker reading a long putt. He walked up to the hole (and I cannot say for sure because it was TV and angles can be different), but it looked like he was in his own line getting a feel for the putt. I figure it like this, if Steve Stricker who is the best putter on tour can walk in his own line, then I figure an absentminded step won't ruin my day.
[/quote]

It is illegal to touch your own line of putt intentionally. I would guess that if you saw Mr. Stricker standing directly between his ball and the hole, it was only because there was a slope, and his intended line was not the straight line you saw him standing on.


[b] 16-1a/12[/b]

[b] Player Walks on Line of Putt[/b]

Q.A player walked on his line of putt. Did he incur a penalty for a breach of Rule <a href="http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-16/#16-1a">16-1a?
A.Yes, if he did so intentionally. No, if he did so accidentally and the act did not improve the line.
[/quote]

Thanks, like I said, I couldn't confirm, but it sure looked like he did.

[e6be26]

[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1383084490' post='8075577']
Wow. I am of the opinion if a person walks in my line and it is unintentional, then so be it. If the guy does a dance in my line and then flips me off (never happened) then I might get a little peeved.

[b]It I just as poor etiquette to bring up a mistake over and over again, if not worse etiquette, than forgetting or not seeing one's mark and accidentally stepping in someone's line.[/b]

I have always obeyed the etiquette to the best of my ability, but I have had transgressions in the last 30 years of golfing, and I say "sorry."

If there is a concern about it read Pelz's putting Bible about the pool table, the green before anyone plays, and the green after a full day of play. IMO, a mistake like this is not going to make or break my game, or even ruin my day. Then this summer I was watching Steve Stricker reading a long putt. He walked up to the hole (and I cannot say for sure because it was TV and angles can be different), but it looked like he was in his own line getting a feel for the putt. I figure it like this, if Steve Stricker who is the best putter on tour can walk in his own line, then I figure an absentminded step won't ruin my day.
[/quote]I'm glad you think so; it makes me feel better, even for even though it was never my intention to breach ettiquette, I feel the weight of widespread disapproval in this thread.

[Imp]

[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383122038' post='8077470']I'm glad you think so; it makes me feel better, even for even though it was never my intention to breach ettiquette, I feel the weight of widespread disapproval in this thread.
[/quote]Remember that time you walked on that guys line? Wow. Sheesh. You walked all over it!

What I'm getting from this thread is you take exception to 'ribbing' (among other things) and can't go with the flow. I'm the type of guy that if I know a way to get under your skin, and I know it bothers you to such an extent, for ****'s and grins, I'd keep on reminding you.

We have a saying in my family (and oddly enough, in my wifes too)... "If we didn't pick on you, then you'd know there's a problem." IOW, if you got the silent treatment, you're in the dog house. IMHO, I think it time you let it go, laugh it off, and move on when he brings it up again (or remind him of something he did). It's quite obvious to me that you're a tad too uptight about it.

--kC

[4Wedges]

[quote name='e6be26' timestamp='1383122038' post='8077470']
[quote name='Petethreeput' timestamp='1383084490' post='8075577']
Wow. I am of the opinion if a person walks in my line and it is unintentional, then so be it. If the guy does a dance in my line and then flips me off (never happened) then I might get a little peeved.

[b]It I just as poor etiquette to bring up a mistake over and over again, if not worse etiquette, than forgetting or not seeing one's mark and accidentally stepping in someone's line.[/b]

I have always obeyed the etiquette to the best of my ability, but I have had transgressions in the last 30 years of golfing, and I say "sorry."

If there is a concern about it read Pelz's putting Bible about the pool table, the green before anyone plays, and the green after a full day of play. IMO, a mistake like this is not going to make or break my game, or even ruin my day. Then this summer I was watching Steve Stricker reading a long putt. He walked up to the hole (and I cannot say for sure because it was TV and angles can be different), but it looked like he was in his own line getting a feel for the putt. I figure it like this, if Steve Stricker who is the best putter on tour can walk in his own line, then I figure an absentminded step won't ruin my day.
[/quote]I'm glad you think so; it makes me feel better, even for even though it was never my intention to breach ettiquette, I feel the weight of widespread disapproval in this thread.
[/quote]

You're up against the stuffed shirt crowd I'm afraid....they can do no wrong and there is a strange "Stuffed Shirt" signal that goes out somehow through the forum that brings them in like vultures circling.

Best just to move along.

Ignoring etiquette is one thing...inadvertently breaching it is another. Your action was inadvertent, clearly, and you apologized for it. It is the person still complaining about it that has an issue and is one I'd definitely cease golfing with.

[djmohab2]

My high school varsity coach drilled etiquette into us big time. I always walk around somebody's line. Many a times when I get paired up with a random, they'll tell me that they're not good enough for my footprint to matter, and to not worry about their line. I have the new AdiZeros and those leave much larger depressions than the Tour 360s I used to wear. I'd be pissed if I had to put over them.

[golfortennis]

Like others have said, it's not so much the result of the act(maybe the green is damaged, maybe not), but it shows consideration for those in your group. I can't say I've never stepped in someone's line, but I can say I've never done it intentionally. I normally try to very good care as to where everyone is and where I can walk, but a couple of times I have lost track of someone's mark. I am very apologetic if it happens, because as someone said, people are making judgments about you, and I do not want to be thought of as that guy.

It just tells me a lot about a person, I find.