Rule 24: Playing golf in a team: The team competition
What this is about
This rule explains how you play golf as a team. Multiple players compete together for a team score.
What you need to do
- As team captain, you lead your team. You decide who plays and in what order.
- The committee determines the scoring system. This is important for the final team score.
- Sometimes a coach or team member may give you advice. The committee must approve this in advance.
- Do you ask for advice from a team member who isn't your partner? Then you get a general penalty. This means two penalty strokes or loss of the hole.
Common mistake
Many beginners think you're always allowed to talk to teammates. However, you may not give advice to team members who aren't your direct partner. Not even if you're playing in the same group.
Example
During a team stroke play competition, you're on the fairway. Your teammate, who's playing in a different group, walks by. He calls out which club you should use. This is unauthorized advice, which results in a penalty for you.
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24.1 Overview
A team is a group of players who compete against other teams, either as individuals or as sides. Rules 1-23 apply, with some adjustments.
24.2 Rules for team competitions
The competition rules determine the composition of each team, the number of players or matches that count, and how the team score is calculated.
24.3 Team captain
Each team may appoint a team captain. The team captain doesn't need to be present on the course.
24.4 Advice in a team match
24.4a Advisor
A team may appoint an advisor who is allowed to give advice to the team's players.
24.4b Restrictions on the adviser
The adviser is subject to the same restrictions as a caddie regarding position on the course.
24.4c No advice between team members
Unless they're playing together as partners, team members may not give each other advice during play. Penalty for breach: the general penalty.