Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
In the Rules of Golf, Advice is help about strategy or tactics that could influence how a player chooses a club, makes a stroke or plays a hole. During a round, a player must not give advice to another competitor or ask anyone for it except their caddie.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, asking for or giving Advice in breach of Rule 10.2a normally brings the general penalty: Loss of Hole. The penalty applies to the hole being played or just completed; if both players are between holes, it applies to the next hole. A player may ask their own caddie, but not another person for Advice.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Advice |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 10.2a (Advice); Rule 1.3c(2) (general penalty) |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Caddie, Loss of Hole, Stroke, Ruling |
Worked example
On the 7th hole, Alex asks Ben which club to use and Ben answers; Alex gets the general penalty and loses the hole under Rule 10.2a, regardless of who would otherwise have won it.
Rule reference: Rule 10.2a (Advice); Rule 1.3c(2) (general penalty)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Can I ask my caddie for Advice?
Yes. Rule 10.2a allows a player to ask their own caddie for Advice during a round. Other limits on a caddie’s help still apply, including the restrictions in Rule 10.2b.
What is the penalty for Advice in Match Play?
The general penalty is Loss of Hole. If the breach occurs while the hole is being played or just completed, it applies to that hole; between holes, it applies to the next hole.
Can I ask another player about a Rules issue?
A Rules question is not automatically a request for playing Advice. You may seek help with the Rules from a Referee or Committee under Rule 1.3b(1), but asking another competitor which club, shot or tactic to choose can be Advice under Rule 10.2a.
Is public information always Advice?
No. Rule 10.2b permits certain public information, such as pointing out a tree that identifies the centre line of a blind fairway. Whether a comment is Advice depends on what information or help it gives and the circumstances.
Can I give Advice to my Match Play opponent?
No. Rule 10.2a prohibits giving Advice to anyone in the competition who is playing on the course. In singles Match Play, an opponent is not an allowed source or recipient of playing Advice.
Does Advice include touching another player’s clubs?
It can. Rule 10.2a prohibits touching another player’s equipment to learn information that would be Advice if the other player gave it or you asked for it, such as checking which club is being used.