'Controversial Golf Rule'... 'Caddie's Advice Mistake'

LIV Golf London Series Day 1 Situation at Hole 5

J.C. Rich is making an iron shot at the LIV Golf Invitational London Series in June last year.

A bizarre mistake by a caddie occurred at LIV Golf, a new tour sponsored by Saudi Arabian capital.

The incident took place on the first day of the LIV Golf Invitational London Series last June at Centurion Golf Club in London, England (par 70, 7,032 yards), specifically at the 5th hole (par 3, 169 yards). J.C. Ritchie (South Africa, pictured) acted immediately after watching the tee shot of his playing partner Jinichiro Kozuma (Japan). Just as he was about to subtly check which club was used, Kozuma’s caddie, Yuhei Yoshimoto, informed Ritchie of the club used.

This is a violation of golf rule 10.2a regarding advice. When a player conveys information about their club to a fellow competitor who has not yet played their shot, it is considered "advice," which incurs a two-stroke penalty. Even if the caddie violates the rule, the responsibility lies with the player. Both golfers and caddies must be careful with their words and actions.

After careful consideration, the tournament officials ruled that it was not an advice violation. Kozuma’s caddie was given a warning without any penalty. Ritchie commented, "Even if the opposing caddie hadn’t shown it, I already knew which club was used," adding, "The caddie was not doing me any favors." Kozuma finished 16th in the tournament (3-over-par 213), while Ritchie placed 18th (4-over-par 214).