A quick reminder about alignment before your golf shot and what Rule 10.2b(3) allows, and forbids.
We all need the occasional rules reminder, and today’s is an important one, especially for anyone who likes to double‑check their setup before a shot.
This one’s all about aligning yourself correctly and what you can and can’t do with your golf clubs when doing it.
Under Rule 10.2b(3) of the Rules of Golf, a player must not set any object down – including a golf club – to help with aiming or taking a stance. The Rule defines “setting an object down” as the object being in contact with the ground while the player is not touching it, and once this has occurred for the purpose of alignment, the general penalty applies. Removing the club before the stroke doesn’t negate the breach; the moment it’s used as a ground‑based guide, it’s illegal.
What the Rule doesn’t prohibit is using a club in your hands to help you check your alignment. Holding a club across your chest, hips or shoulders is allowed, as is placing the clubhead behind the ball in your normal routine – provided you maintain contact with the club while doing so.
The key distinction is simple but crucial: held is fine, grounded is not.
So next time you’re about to take a swing and feel tempted to drop a club along your toe line, keep it in your hands instead. The practice range is the place for props — on the course, Rule 10.2b(3) keeps things clear, consistent and penalty‑free.