Meter Relief Rule
 

If a player's lie allows them to straddle putt(legal stance), do they still get relief from OB, fence, etc? I have heard various arguments in both directions...... My view of the rule focuses on a "legal stance," which I interpret as "not a stance you are comfortable with, but a legal stance." So if the lie is 2 feet give or take from OB, which would allow one to straddle putt, would the player get "relief?" (Assuming the player doesn't have size 18 shoes! Lol)

Every player is entitled to the full meter of relief from the line. Style of stance doesn't matter in the least, nor does the perception of whether the player "needs" the relief or not. So the answer to the question is yes, the player can still take the extra foot or so of relief if their original lie is 2 feet from the OB line.

Does your question pertain to also providing 1m relief for the straddle foot that would not be behind the marker? Only the foot behind the marker is granted up to 1m from OB. If the OB line has an odd shape where the straddle foot would have to be much less than 1m from OB to be behind the marker, the player is not allowed to place that straddle foot up to 1m from OB if it would move in front of the mark line.

Chuck,
My question was basically, if the original lie allows for a "legal stance," why would a player be granted relief? (Providing it is a safe, legal stance)

Obviously to avoid discussion of whether or not relief is needed and make it the same for every player.

As you approach your lie, you should be thinking of whether or not to mark your lie with your mini. If you're within 1m of OB, it's perfectly legal to mark your lie on the 1m line then decide which would be the best stance style.

The rules say you are entitled to a legal stance but don't say anything about you being entitled to your preferred stance.

Sometimes your lie is such you can't straddle putt. Or you have to straddle with your left foot behind your lie instead of your preferred right foot.