Can I stand behind my partner to read the putt?

Yes, it's a penalty. In four-ball you cannot stand on or near the extension of your partner's line of play behind the ball while they stroke to pick up info for your own shot. Breach costs the general penalty — two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play.

What the rule actually says

Rule 22.6 adds to the normal caddie/partner restriction in Rule 10.2b(4). While your partner is making a stroke, you must not position yourself on or close to the line of play behind their ball if the purpose is to gather information for the side's next stroke. The rule targets the deliberate act of using your partner's putt as a free read for yours.

Where the line is drawn

The restriction zone is the extension of the line of play behind the ball. Standing a few feet to the side is fine. Standing directly behind the ball, or close enough that you're effectively on that line, triggers the penalty if your intent is to gain information. Intent matters — if you're just watching from a normal spot and not trying to read the break for yourself, there's no breach.

Penalty and practical impact

General penalty applies: two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play. The penalty applies to the side, not just the player who stood there. In stroke play both partners add two strokes to their scores for the hole; in match play the hole is lost immediately. There's no warning or correction — the breach is final once the stroke is made.

Exceptions that change the answer

• No official exceptions exist for Rule 22.6 → The restriction applies whenever a partner's stroke is being made and the other partner positions themselves on the line behind the ball to gain information. No carve-outs for accidental positioning or brief glances.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stand behind my partner after they've hit to watch the roll?

Yes. The restriction only applies while the stroke is being made. Once the ball is in motion you can move anywhere, including directly behind the original spot, to watch the break.

What if I'm just standing there and not trying to read the putt?

Intent matters. If you're in a normal position and not deliberately using the stroke to gather info for your own shot, there's no penalty. But if you're on the line and the committee decides you were gaining information, the penalty stands.

Does this apply in foursomes (alternate shot)?

No. Rule 22.6 is specific to four-ball (Rule 23). In foursomes only one partner plays each stroke, so the situation doesn't arise. The normal Rule 10.2b(4) restriction on caddies/partners still applies.

What if my caddie stands there instead of me?

Same penalty. Rule 10.2b(4) already covers caddies standing on the line behind the ball. Rule 22.6 extends that same concept to the partner in four-ball. Either way, the side gets the general penalty.

Can we agree to let each other stand there since we're partners?

No. The rule is mandatory — you can't waive it by agreement. The penalty applies regardless of whether both partners consent. The only way to avoid it is to stay off the line behind the ball while the stroke is made.