Can my aide stand on the line of play behind the ball if I am blind?

Yes, your aide can stand on or close to the extension of the line of play behind the ball at any time before or during your stroke. Rule 25.2d modifies the normal restriction so there is no penalty, as long as the aide does not help you in making the stroke.

What the rule actually says

Rule 25.2d modifies Rule 10.2b(4) for players who are blind. Normally a caddie cannot stand on or close to the line of play behind the ball once the player begins taking a stance. For a blind player, that restriction is lifted for both the aide and the caddie. They may be positioned on or near that line before and during the stroke without penalty.

The one condition that matters

The aide (or caddie) must not help the player in making the stroke. They can be there for alignment, guidance, or simply to watch, but they cannot physically assist the swing, steady the player, or otherwise intervene in the stroke itself. If they do, the general penalty applies.

How this works with a caddie too

A blind player may have both an aide and a caddie at the same time. Rule 25.2d applies to both of them — either one may stand on the line of play behind the ball. The same condition applies to both: neither may help the player make the stroke.

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) as modified by Rule 25.2d.

Frequently asked questions

Can my aide stand directly behind me on the line of play while I putt?

Yes. Rule 25.2d allows the aide to be on or close to the extension of the line of play behind the ball at any time before or during the stroke, including while you putt, as long as they don't help you make the stroke.

Does this apply to my caddie too, or only my aide?

It applies to both. Rule 25.2d says "the aide or caddie" may be positioned there. If you have both, either one (or both) may stand on the line of play behind the ball.

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

Physically assisting the swing, steadying the player, moving the club during the stroke, or any active involvement in the stroke itself. Simply standing there, giving verbal alignment, or watching does not count as helping make the stroke.

Can the aide stay there after I've started my backswing?

Yes. The rule says "at any time before or during the player's stroke," so they may remain in position throughout the entire stroke.

What if I have two aides — can both stand on the line?

No. Rule 25.2b allows only one aide at a time. Having more than one aide gets the general penalty for each hole where the breach occurs, same as having two caddies.