I got set with a random 3 some today, and I lined up to make a putt, and like always, I use my hand to kind of trace what I think is the line in the air. One of the playing partners said that he thought that was against the rules, but it was ok, I could do it if I wanted! I was REALLY surprised, and NEVER heard any of that before, and of course, it threw me off and missed the putt. Is this true?

He's out of his mind. As long as you did not touch your line of putt, you were OK.

Are you kidding me? That is weird. Of course tracing an imaginary line in the air with your hand is allowed.

I am really surprised by some of the stories I hear about people bringing up the rules. Unless you were playing for money it is really strange for a random person you were partnered with to bring up what he thought was a rule. I would never quote rules to a stranger during a casual round, especially if I only thought it MIGHT be a rule violation.

Gamesmanship. And it worked for the guy perfectly.

Heck, if imaginary hand gestures aren't allowed during putting, then they had better ban the body leaning after someone mishits a slice or hook.