Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Stance is the position of a player's feet and body while preparing for and making a stroke. It describes how the player is positioned, rather than the club movement itself. For a player using an assistive mobility device, the Rules modify the definition to include the device's position.
How it matters in match play
Stance has the same basic meaning in match play as in other forms of play. Rule 10.1c prohibits making a stroke from a stance with a foot deliberately on each side of, or deliberately touching, the line of play or its extension behind the ball, subject to the accidental-stance exception. A breach attracts the general penalty, which is loss of hole in match play.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Stance |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Definitions (Stance); Rule 8.1; Rule 10.1c |
| Related concepts | Stroke, Line of Play, Conditions Affecting the Stroke, Putting Green, General Penalty |
Worked example
On hole 7, Alex has a 4-metre putt and deliberately places one foot on each side of the line of play before stroking; if Rule 10.1c applies, Alex loses the hole in match play, subject to the Rule's exception.
Rule reference: Definitions (Stance); Rule 8.1; Rule 10.1c
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is a stance the same as a swing?
No. Stance is the position of the player's feet and body while preparing for and making a stroke. The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball is the Stroke.
Can I stand astride my putting line?
Not deliberately when making the stroke. Rule 10.1c prohibits a foot on each side of, or either foot deliberately touching, the line of play or its extension behind the ball. The Rule has an exception when the stance is accidental or is taken to avoid another player's line of play.
Can I improve the area where I take my stance?
Normally no. The area of the intended stance is a protected condition affecting the stroke under Rule 8.1. A player must not improve it through prohibited actions, although the Rule lists limited permitted actions and exceptions.
Does Stance have a special match-play definition?
No. The definition is not match-play specific. Match play matters because the general penalty for a relevant Rule breach is loss of hole rather than two penalty strokes in stroke play.
Does the accidental-stance exception allow any position?
No. The exception in Rule 10.1c is limited to a stance taken accidentally or to avoid another player's line of play. It does not remove the general requirement to follow the other Rules governing a stroke and the conditions affecting it.
Is Stance an alias for Address?
No alias is recorded here. The Rules define Stance precisely as the position of the player's feet and body in preparing for and making a stroke; everyday golfers may use other wording, but that does not make it an official synonym.