Golf Rule 8, Advice; Indicating Line of Play – Simplified Version

8-1. Players cannot give advice to other players, except their own partners, during a round. Players can"t ask for advice from anyone besides their partner or the partner’s caddie.

Examples: Before playing a shot to a green, a player may not ask another what club he hit for the same or similar shot; players are not allowed to ask for or give swing pointers during a round.

Exception: Competitors may exchange distance information, such as the yardage from a player’s ball to the hole.

8-2. Players are allowed to have the intended line of a shot indicated to them by anyone, except on the putting green. The player cannot position someone on or close to the line either in front of or behind the hole while he’s playing. On the green, players are allowed to have the intended line pointed to by a caddie or partner before the stroke, as long as the person doesn’t touch or place a marker on the green.

Exception: The flagstick can be tended or held up for the player to see.

Penalties for violating Rule 8-1 or 8-2: Match play – loss of hole. Stroke play – two strokes.

8-1. Advice
During a stipulated round, a player must not:

a. give advice to anyone in the competition playing on the course other than his partner, or

b. ask for advice from anyone other than his partner or either of their caddies.

8-2. Indicating Line Of Play
a. Other Than on Putting Green
Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated to him by anyone, but no one may be positioned by the player on or close to the line or an extension of the line beyond the hole while the stroke is being made. Any mark placed by the player or with his knowledge to indicate the line must be removed before the stroke is made.

Exception: Flagstick attended or held up – see Rule 17-1.

b. On the Putting Green
When the player’s ball is on the putting green, the player, his partner or either of their caddies may, before but not during the stroke, point out a line for putting, but in so doing the putting green must not be touched. A mark must not be placed anywhere to indicate a line for putting.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a team competition (Rule 33-1), permit each team to appoint one person who may give advice (including pointing out a line for putting) to members of that team. The Committee may establish conditions relating to the appointment and permitted conduct of that person, who must be identified to the Committee before giving advice.