Rules question · Rule 10.2b · Hard
Laid a club on the ground to check my alignment: is that allowed?
Before your tee shot you lay a club on the ground in front of your feet to check your alignment. You pick it up again before the stroke. What is the ruling?
Answer
Two penalty strokes, even though you removed it first
You must not set anything down to help you aim or take your stance. That is two penalty strokes, and removing it before the stroke does not change this. The same applies to a mark you make in sand or dew for this purpose.