If a caddie assists a player in putting a ball into play, how is that viewed?

When a caddie assists a player in putting a ball into play, it is viewed as "outside influence." According to the rules of golf, if a caddie intentionally or unintentionally interferes with or influences the play of the game, it falls under this category. Typically, players are expected to put the ball into play independently as per the rules of golf, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility during the game.

In this context, any action taken by a caddie that affects how or when a player puts the ball into play is considered outside influence, leading to potential penalties that might apply to the player. This reflects the integrity of the game, emphasizing that while caddies provide support in many scenarios, their involvement in specific actions during the play can lead to considerations of inappropriate assistance.

Understanding this concept reinforces the importance of following official guidelines and maintaining fairness in play, which ultimately enhances the spirit of competition within the game of golf.