Questions & Answers Responses from PGA/LPGA Teachers on FINDaLESSON.com                                                                                  << BACK From Peter, golfer: I was playing golf the other day with some friends, and I used my putter when I was on the fairway, about five feet from the green.  My friends say the only time I can use the putter is on the green. Is this true? PGA/LPGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL RESPONSES: California "Peter; this may be an excellent opportunity to educate your friends. There is nothing in the rule book that prohibits you from using a putter from off the green or for that matter any place  on the course. The rules do prescribe that you carry only 14 clubs in your bag but you may use any one of them where you deem fit. For example, you may use a putter from the tee or a wedge on the green. However, I don't recommend either. As a matter of fact I do recommend that the amateur golfer use his putter wherever possible. As Jack Nicklaus once said "your worst putt is as good as your best chip". I often thought, putt when you can and chip when you have to. If you have further questions, see your local PGA Professional." - A.J. Molitor, Teaching Professional Florida "Dear Peter: That is not true - you are correct. As a matter of fact, you can (in theory) use your putter from any place or situation!" - Sean Gorgone, Teaching Professional Kansas "Your friends are WRONG. You can use any club at anytime during a stipulated round." - Jim Kane, Teaching Professional New Mexico "Peter, your friends are all wet. You can use any club from anywhere on the course if you like. I've had great success with my putter from as far out as 20-30 yards. Using the putter from off the green is sometimes referred to as using the "Texas wedge" probably due to the many flat green surrounds and often high winds you can experience in West Texas. As a side note, there is rarely a time when the putter from off the green is not a better, if not best option, especially for mid to high handicappers. Obviously there are times when the putter is not an option, such as high grass or bunkers in your line.  Harvey Penick's rule of thumb was, "use the least lofted club possible from around the green" because a bad putt is almost always better than a bad chip and a bad chip is typically better than a bad pitch.  Another good use of the putter, believe it or not, is out of low-lipped bunkers. Good luck with your Texas wedge." - Warren Lehr, Teaching Professional North Carolina "You can use your putter from anywhere. This is sometime referred to as the "Texas wedge". When you are chipping, the less loft you have on the club, you reduce your margin of error and have more control over the shot. The old cliche is your worst putt can be better than your best chip."  - Ben Hynson, Teaching Professional Ohio "The rules don't dictate when you can use any particular club. They only say you must strike the ball with the club head (front or back it doesn't matter) just as long as you don't use the handle. As a result, you can use any club at any time from any position. You could even tee off with a putter and putt with your driver. Have fun." - Grayson FitzHugh, Teaching Professional South Carolina "You can use your putter off the tee if you like. Buy your friends a rule book for Christmas!"  - Mel Sole, Teaching Professional Texas "You may use any club, any time."  - Dave Baron, Teaching Professional