Rules of Golf
The USGA, in conjunction with The R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland, writes, interprets and maintains the Rules of Golf to guard the tradition and integrity of the game.The two organizations are joint authors and owners of The Rules of Golf and Decisions on the Rules of Golf.Through an agreement with The R&A, the Rules jurisdiction of the USGA includes only the United States, its possessions and Mexico.The latest version went into effect Jan. 1, 2012, with the next revision taking effect Jan. 1, 2016.
Golf Rule 8 - Advice, Indicating Line of Play
ADVICE, INDICATING LINE OF PLAY: know this rule and avoid any unncessary penalties.
Advice is any suggestion or counsel that could influence a player in determining a club selection, type of stroke, or determining his play. A player must not give advice to anyone in the competition other than his partner during a stipulated round. Also, a player must not ask for advice from anyone other than his partner in a stipulated round.
THE PENALTY IN MATCH PLAY--LOSS OF HOLE AND IN STROKE PLAY--TWO STROKES.
INDICATING LINE OF PLAY--first of all the line of play is the direction the player would like his ball to take after a stroke. The line of play includes a reasonable distance on either side of the intended direction but does not extend beyond the hole. The line of play also extends verticall upward but not down.
NOTE--other than on the putting green, the line of play may be indicated to him by anyone, however, no one is allowed to be positioned by the player on or close to the line of play or on an extension of the line of play beyond the hole while the player plays his stroke. Also, the player must not place or have placed with his knowledge by anyone else, any mark indicating his line of play. If a mark is placed it must be removed before the stroke is played.
NOTE--the flagstick may be attended or held up without penalty.
NOTE--on the putting green, before the player makes a stroke from the putting green, he can have his line of putting pointed out as long as the green is not touched. Placing a mark on the green to point out the line is also not permitted. Only the player, the player's partner or either of their caddies are allowed to point out the line.
PENALTY FOR VIOLATING THE RULE OF INDICATING LINE OF PLAY:
MATCH PLAY--LOSS OF HOLE
STROKE PLAY--TWO STROKES