Can a blind golfer's aide stand on the line of play?

Yes, the aide or caddie may stand on or near the extension of the line of play behind the ball at any time before or during the stroke, provided they do not help the player make the stroke (Rule 25.2d). This modifies the normal Rule 10.2b(4) that would otherwise penalize anyone standing there.

What the rule actually allows

For a player who is blind, Rule 25.2d carves out an exception to Rule 10.2b(4). The aide — or the caddie — can position themselves on or close to the line of play behind the ball before the stroke and even stay there while the player swings. The only condition is that they must not help the player in making the stroke itself. If they do, the general penalty applies.

Why this exists

A blind player cannot see the target line. The aide often needs to stand behind the ball to give verbal alignment cues — "aim left," "a bit right" — right up to the moment the club starts back. Forcing the aide to step away before the stroke would defeat the purpose of the assistance. The rule recognizes that and permits the aide to remain in place.

Where it applies

Anywhere on the course — tee, fairway, rough, bunker, putting green. The modification is not limited to certain areas. It applies whenever the blind player is making a stroke and the aide or caddie is positioned on the line of play behind the ball.

Exceptions that change the answer

• The aide or caddie helps the player in making the stroke → The player gets the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play) under Rule 10.2b(4).

Frequently asked questions

Can the caddie also stand on the line of play, or only the aide?

Either the aide or the caddie may stand there. Rule 25.2d says "the aide or caddie" — both are covered by the same exception. This ties into the broader Rule 25.2a modification that lets a blind player receive advice from both an aide and a caddie simultaneously — see Can a blind golfer get advice from both an aide and a caddie?.

Does the aide have to move away before the player starts the backswing?

No. The rule explicitly allows the aide or caddie to remain "at any time before or during the player's stroke." They can stay in position through the entire swing.

What counts as "helping the player in making the stroke"?

Anything that physically assists the swing — touching the player, the club, or the ball during the stroke, or giving a signal timed to the swing. Verbal alignment before the stroke is allowed; a tap on the shoulder at the top of the backswing is not.

Can the aide set down a club or object to show the line of play?

Yes, under Rule 25.2c (modifying Rule 10.2b(3)), the aide or caddie may set an object down to help with aiming, but it must be removed before the stroke. If it's not removed, the player gets the general penalty.

What if the player has both an aide and a caddie — can both stand on the line?

The rule doesn't forbid it, but only one person needs to be there for alignment. If both stand there and one helps make the stroke, the penalty applies. Practically, one steps aside.