Some Rules of Golf are broken so frequently in our play of friendly rounds, we tend to disregard them in tournament play.

Consider Rule 8. Advice; Indicating Line of Play. Often, in our casual games with the usual suspects, someone asks, "What did you hit?" And, without a second thought, we might reply, "I hit seven, should have been a six-lotta wind up there." In context, this a harmless exchange of information, innocently mixed in the conversational byplay.

In a stroke play tournament, however, the above situation would result in both players being penalized two stokes, unless they were partners in the competition. In match play, the player asking the question incurs a loss of hole penalty.

Rule 8.1 states: "During a stipulated round, a player shall not give advice to anyone in the competition except his partner and may ask for advice only from his partner or either of their caddies." Definitions (italicized) in the Rules are very specific, and do not allow for much interpretation. Advice is defined as: "Any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke."

Why such a stiff penalty for asking or giving advice? The rules attempt to make the competition fair and equal for all players. If certain counsel or suggestion is made available to one or two players, they have gained an advantage over the rest of the field. (Yes, you are penalized even if you get bad advice.) During a recent individual stroke play tournament, one player in my group--trying to be helpful--gave a putting lesson to a fellow competitor who had been struggling on the greens. Yikes! Two strokes, each.

Asking and giving 'public information' is not advice. It is okay to ask, "Is there a bunker to the left of the green?" or to tell another player, "This sprinkler head is marked 137." But don't ask, "Did your putt break to the right?" or suggest, "From your position, it's probably 210 to clear the water." Information on the Rules is not advice. It is okay to ask, "Am I entitled to relief from this sprinkler head?" or state, "These are your options when your ball is in a lateral water hazard." But don't say, "If I were you, I'd declare that ball unplayable."

Practice observing Rule 8 in your friendly rounds-you'll be less likely to make a mistake in a competition.

Dick Beckman
March 2003