Bryan Izatt,
I believe that the only two authoritive documents concerning the rules of golf are "The Rules of Golf" and the "Decisions" book. Absent clarification from those two documents I don't see how you can rely on outside sources, irrespective of their origin.
You and others seem to labor under the false impression that I believe that a Cheater's Line is currently illegal.
My point, and perhaps Shivas's, but, I'll let him speak for himself, is that the USGA could easily declare it illegal with the language as it is under 8-2 b, with either an edit of 8-2 b or a clarification in the Decisions book. The joint rules review between the USGA and the R&A will be conducted in January of 2008. One would hope that two of the governing bodies of golf would examine the Cheater's Line and markings for that purpose in the context of the spirit of the game and the pace of play.
Sean Arble,
I discussed the issue of player drawn lines for aiding in determining the line and manufacturer drawn lines for aiding in determining the line, and I think both violate the spirit of the game and slow down the pace of play.
My preference is to eradicate/prohibit both
JES II,
You've played enough golf to recognize when a player is lining up marks on his ball for the purpose of using those marks as an aid to determine the line.
Let me quote the USGA's stated position on the "Spirit of the Game"
"Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. the game RELIES on the INTEGRITY of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the RULES. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf."
If 8-2 b was deemed to be strictly adhered to, as per Shivas, I have no doubt that the great, great, great majority of golfers would adhere to it, especially golfers who compete and who value their reputation in and out of the golfing world.
As to your question relative to pace of play, I don't believe in micro managing a round, there's too much ebb and flow.
I believe in time out, time in, take the differential and it shouldn't be more that 3.5 hours with no more than the gap in tee off times seperating one group from the next.
What happens in between is of no consequence to me due to all of the variables.
As an example, someone's over a difficult putt, and as they're about to take the putter back, a bug flies into their eye.
They have to stop, clear their eye, recover and begin the process anew. Should that person be penalized ?
I don't think so. Removing micro management from the equation also makes for a more comfortable round.
Kyle Warren Harris,
The critical language under 5-2 is, "for the purpose of changing its playing characteristics."
But, that could be amended to, "or for aiding in indicating the line" for both 8-2 a and 8-2 b.