Can my aide lift my ball on the green without asking me first if I'm blind?

Yes, your aide can lift your ball on the putting green without asking you each time. Under Rule 25.2a, an aide has the same status as a caddie, and caddies are allowed to lift a player's ball on the green under Rule 14.1b.

Why the aide can lift the ball

Rule 25.2a states that an aide for a blind player has the same status under the Rules as a caddie. Rule 14.1b(1) explicitly allows a caddie to lift the player's ball on the putting green without the player's specific authorization. Because the aide stands in the caddie's shoes for this purpose, the same permission applies. The Rule 25.2 purpose statement also confirms that the modifications "allow help with lifting, dropping, placing and replacing a ball." This is not a new privilege — it's the standard caddie privilege extended to the aide.

What the aide cannot do

The aide's authority to lift the ball is limited to the putting green. Off the green, the aide needs your authorization just like a caddie would. Also, the aide must not carry or handle your clubs except when guiding you, helping with stance or aim, or as a courtesy under the caddie definition (Rule 25.2e). If the aide handles clubs outside those situations, you get the general penalty for having two caddies.

One aide at a time

Rule 25.2b allows only one aide at a time. If you have more than one person acting as an aide during a round, you incur the general penalty for each hole where the breach occurs. This mirrors the one-caddie limit in Rule 10.3a(1).

Exceptions that change the answer

• The aide lifts the ball off the putting green → Your specific authorization is required, just as it would be for a caddie.
• The aide handles your clubs beyond guiding, stance, aim, or courtesy → You get the general penalty for each hole where the breach happens (Rule 25.2e).
• You have more than one aide at the same time → General penalty for each hole where the breach occurred (Rule 25.2b).

Frequently asked questions

Does my aide need to tell me before lifting my ball on the green?

No. Because the aide has the same status as a caddie, they may lift your ball on the putting green without asking first, just like a caddie can under Rule 14.1b.

Can my aide also be my caddie?

Yes. Rule 25.2e allows the aide to also serve as your caddie, or you can have both an aide and a separate caddie at the same time.

What if my aide lifts my ball in the fairway without asking?

That's not allowed. Off the putting green, only you or someone you specifically authorize may lift your ball. The aide would need your permission first.

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

Yes. When a ball is lifted on the putting green, it may always be cleaned (Rule 14.1c). The aide can clean it before replacing it.

What happens if I have two people helping me as aides?

You get the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play) for each hole where you had more than one aide.