Can my aide lift my ball on the green without asking me?

Yes, your aide can lift your ball on the putting green without asking you first, but only if you use an assistive mobility device. Rule 25.4a modifies Rule 14.1b so that your aide — in addition to your caddie — is allowed to lift the ball without your authorization when it lies on the green.

When this applies

This permission only exists for players who use an assistive mobility device — such as a wheelchair, other wheeled mobility device, cane, or crutch. If you don't use one of these devices, the normal rule applies: only you or your caddie (with your authorization) may lift your ball on the green. The aide has the same status as a caddie under the Rules, but with the specific modifications in Rule 25.4.

What else your aide can do

Beyond lifting on the green, Rule 25.4a also lets you give a general authorization to any person — not just your aide or caddie — to drop, place, and replace your ball anywhere on the course, without limitation. Before a stroke, anyone may also help position you or your assistive mobility device. Your aide can give you advice just like a caddie, and you can have both an aide and a caddie at the same time.

Limits you need to know

You may have only one aide at a time. If you have more than one, you get the general penalty for each hole where the breach occurs, just like having too many caddies. The aide's extra lifting authority applies only on the putting green — not in the general area, bunkers, or penalty areas. And the aide must be someone you've designated as your aide; a random playing partner or spectator doesn't qualify.

Exceptions that change the answer

• You do not use an assistive mobility device → Your aide has no special authority — only you or your caddie (with your authorization) may lift your ball on the green under Rule 14.1b.
• The ball lies off the putting green → Your aide cannot lift it without your authorization; the modified Rule 14.1b applies only when the ball lies on the putting green.
• You already have an aide and add another → You get the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play) for each hole where you have more than one aide.

Frequently asked questions

Can my friend who isn't my caddie lift my ball on the green?

Only if you use an assistive mobility device and that friend is your designated aide. Otherwise, only you or your caddie (with your authorization) may lift your ball on the putting green.

Does my aide need to mark the ball before lifting it?

Yes. The normal marking requirement under Rule 14.1a still applies — the ball must be marked before it's lifted, whether by you, your caddie, or your aide.

Can I have both a caddie and an aide?

Yes. Rule 25.4a explicitly allows you to have both an aide and a caddie at the same time, and you can get advice from both.

What counts as an assistive mobility device?

Wheelchairs, other wheeled mobility devices, canes, and crutches all qualify. Rule 25.4 applies to all of them for the aide provisions in 25.4a through 25.4l.

Can my aide replace my ball on the green after lifting it?

Yes. Under the general authorization in Rule 25.4a, you can allow any person — including your aide — to drop, place, and replace your ball anywhere on the course without needing to ask each time.