Golf question: When using driver, is it improper to stand behind the ball (getting line) & use practice swing?

Question

I am female and drive the ball 220-240 yards. I like to get loose and set up the tee and ball and stand behind to see my line. I often see the line and take an easy, flowing swing while behind the ball (i am facing the line and therefore swinging 90 degrees from the line) and then I approach my ball and hit my ball. Rarely do I take another practice swing while in position at my ball. I was just told that this is improper (i feel the lady i was playing with was up on my tee box too close & i had to keep asking her to step back because i needed space) ... she made me take a penalty shot because she said i was not allowed to swing my club that way while behind the ball on the tee (i swing the club this way also when i putt, i stand behind the ball, visualize my line and do a stroke while looking down the line). I hope I am being clear enough but please, is this rude? Should I get a penalty stroke for a practice swing? I don't hold up the game. I approach my ball and hit it. HELP!

Answer 1

Only one person should be stood on the tee at any one time therefor you can have as much bloody room as you want.You are also allowed to practise your swing anyway you want with any shot you want from tee to putter.
This woman is a cheat and should be reported to your club making up rules as she goes along who the bloody hell does she think she is.
Watch a bit of pro golf on the telly and see that they take about 3 or 4 practises on every shot.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

What you are doin is not improper at all. I actually do the exact same thing on the tee box. Like previous answers stated, i just feel as though the person you were playing with was upset on the fact that she was called out on being too close and might have been frustated. I have seen many pro and amateur golfers use this tactic and see no reason why it would be improper. I was told by my brother who is beginning his amateur golfing next year that it is actually thought to be proper to take your practice swing behind your ball on the tee box, like you do, instead of taking it right next to the ball. Continue your routine and best of luck golfing

Answer 4

I watched Tiger stand behind his ball and take a practice swing while looking at his line on all driver shots. He didn't get penalized. In fact, he won 11.25 million dollars. No penalty stroke for you and tell the other woman to get off the tee box.

Answer 5

You got an illegal penalty stroke added to your score...that's enough to make me shove my putter up ......well, anyway, there is nothing wrong with a practice swing. However, the more you take, the madder the people behind you will get. Also, if you are using irons and taking a divot each time you take a practice swing, the starter might wrap the iron around your neck. Just use good sense, be courteous, and treat the golf course with care. Then, everybody will love you!

Answer 6

From my way of understanding it.. as long as the swing was not with INTENT to put the ball into play.

With a practice swing, you are not intending on putting the ball into play.

Did you know that if you take a practice swing, and accidently hit the ball, it still does not count as a stroke and you are allowed to re-tee the ball.

The key is "INTENT".
Now, once you address the ball, and your clubhead addresses behind the ball, this could be considered "intent" and any swing at this point would be a stroke.

Answer 7

you may practice a swing for any shot in golf. the previous answer was incorrect. just look at the pros. they almost always use practice swings, especially with their drivers. i can't find anything that validates your playing partner's objection to your practice swing with your driver. i think that she was standing too close to you and did not appreciate being called on standing back a bit. you can use practice swings, too much is rude but that doesn't sound like that is the case with you. i don't know if i have ever played with anyone who used their practice swing 90 degrees from their line but i do that all the time with my putter so it makes sense. perhaps, i shall start trying that tactic to get the feel of "looseness" with my driver from now on.

Answer 8

Where do some people come up with these so-called rules? Does she try to prevent you from lining up your putt also?

In fact, I may try this tomorrow morning. It sounds like a good way to get the proper line for my shot!

Thanks!

Answer 9

The lady you golfed with was completely wrong to say you should take a penalty stroke......as was the first person to answer this question.

Answer 10

What you are talking about s called a pre shot routine and yes what you are doing is both legal and proper. Its done all the time by Pro's on TV and Amateurs every day.