There is a member in our weekly golf foursome who is very vocal about anyone walking or standing on her putting line. Because this upsets her, the rest of us are diligent in staying clear. If we accidentally walk across her putting line though, she admonishes the offender in a harsh tone of voice, which changes the congenial mood on that green. No one else in the group cares if someone stands on their putting lines. Does it really make any difference if someone has momentarily walked or stood on your line?

Golfers are divided in their thoughts about the subject and it appears there is little scientific research to prove a point one way or the other. From my experience, most recreational golfers are not concerned with someone walking on their putting lines. Previous players have been walking, dropping flagsticks, dropping clubs and landing balls all over the surface of the greens all day, so a momentary stance on your line is not likely to mess up the trajectory of the roll. With that said, it is still golf etiquette to avoid your partners’ putting lines unless they have announced otherwise.

When someone walks or stands on your line and you allow it to negatively affect your thoughts about whether your ball will stay on-line, it could make a difference. If you think it will affect your putt, it’s more likely your putting will be affected. This may be what is happening in your partner’s mind. If someone walks on her line, and her thoughts go to missing the putt, and she does, it reinforces her belief about the line, even if there was no consequence from the condition of the walked-on putting line. If you are not worried about it affecting your putt, it’s more likely it won’t make a difference. Your thoughts and feelings about your putting are key.

The same holds true for your thoughts about your golfing partner who gets upset. If you allow her behavior to negatively affect your thoughts and feelings, your game and your enjoyment of the game will be affected. From a neutral position, continue respecting her request, as you say you are doing, and keep your thoughts and focus on sinking your putt.

GOLF magazine contributor Josh Sens humorously writes,  “What’s more, unlike the pros, most of us are so unskilled with the flat stick that any redirection of our putts is just as apt to help as it is to hurt.”