Rules of Golf - Rule 8: Advice; Indicating the Line of
Play
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.
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