By Richard Todd
My father loves to give advice during our rounds. He’s like a walking range finder, caddy, swing coach, mental health instructor, course architect, and yogi. But it really makes my son mad to hear the constant suggestions of swing improvement and information. Do you have a similar playing competitor? If so, the rules of golf cover this!
USGA Rule #8 covers giving or receiving advice while golfing. 
…A player may not give or ask for advice during a stipulated round…
Breach of this rule is a two-stroke penalty or loss of hole.
Note, some actions are allowed while others are not.
A poor shot by my son, when playing with my father, is usually followed by swing instruction advise, such as you moved your head, you’re swaying, or stop playing the ball so far back in your stance. If you experience this, cite Rule #8 and tell the wannabe Butch Harmon to add a two-stroke penalty to his card for the illegal advice.
Do you want to know what club your competitor just used to stick the ball a yard from the cup?
While you are not allowed to ask him directly you can peek into his golf bag to see what’s missing, but do not touch the clubs or move or unzip a cover.
If you’re away on the putting green and unsure if the putt breaks a certain direction, don’t ask for help from your playing companions. Doing so is a breach of the rules.
Say you can’t see the flagstick from your lie. You can have anyone point it out, but you may not have someone be positioned to show the line, while the stroke is being made.
Walking next to a breathing google search machine isn’t always bad.
If you are unclear if your intended action is legal within the Rules of Golf? Competitors are allowed to provide information on rules interpretation.
Are you unfamiliar with the shape of the hole, distance to the green, or the amount of carry over that ominous water hazard? That information can also be shared without penalty. The USGA states information on the rules, distances, or matters of public information is not considered advice.
Are you playing with a caddie or as a team with a partner? These people can give advice freely.
So, the next time that one guy in your foursome won’t stop acting like a club pro, pull out Rule #8. Watch his score increase and his comments decrease.
