[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Two-Stroke Penalty for Asking About the Club Used?"

Asking about the opponent's club during play is a violation of the rules.

"If you ask about the club used (Taking Advice - what iron did you hit), 2-stroke penalty."

Most amateur golfers are indifferent to the rules of golf. In fact, last week, during a small wager with friends, a heated debate occurred. When a companion’s shot landed close to the pin on the back nine, hole 11 (par 3), curiosity arose about the club used. One friend asked, "What iron did you hit?" and the answer was, "I used a 7 iron."

A lawyer friend nearby saw this scene and insisted, "This is a violation of the rules of golf and you must receive a 2-stroke penalty (general penalty - two strokes)." In fact, asking or giving advice about the club used is prohibited under golf rule 10-2a, as it is considered an act that influences club selection, resulting in a 2-stroke penalty (The rule provides for penalty of two strokes for ‘giving’ advice, or ‘asking’ for advice).

Remember that if you do not comply with the rules of golf during a round, penalties will be imposed. Even giving a lesson unilaterally to a playing companion results in a 2-stroke penalty. However, ‘public information’ such as distances to the green, location of a penalty area, bunker positions, hole shape, and the putting green does not count as advice and is not penalized.

A: Wonderful shot! What iron did you use?

B: I’m sorry, I can’t give you any advice during the competition.

A: Oh, why not?

B: It’s against the rules to give you any information on the choice of a club. You can get advice from your caddie.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist