Practicing on the course….

[Slab]

The first time I played in a Winter Alliance, a 4-handicapper in my group asked one of the others what club he was going to play on a par 3 before any of us teed off.

Would it be Ok if that Par 3 was the groups 1st hole?

 

[Steven Rules]

Would it be Ok if that Par 3 was the groups 1st hole?

Yes. That would be ok.

The prohibition on giving or asking for advice does not apply before a round, while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a or between rounds in a competition. (Rule 10.2a)

A player’s round starts when the player makes a stroke to start his or her first hole. (Rule 5.3a)

 

[Slab]

Yes. That would be ok.

The prohibition on giving or asking for advice does not apply before a round, while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a or between rounds in a competition. (Rule 10.2a)

A player’s round starts when the player makes a stroke to start his or her first hole. (Rule 5.3a)

Thanks yeah that's what I reckoned
Just for precision (& fun) if the fourball is Player A,B,C,D, assuming they tee off in alphabetical order and Players C & D are discussing club selection (or other advice) on 1st tee prior to the round starting
Must they cease prior to Player C teeing off or must it cease when Player A tees off?
(I'm guessing comp format might also play a part i.e in an individual comp of if Player C was 'teamed' with Player A)

 

[salfordlad]

Thanks yeah that's what I reckoned
Just for precision (& fun) if the fourball is Player A,B,C,D, assuming they tee off in alphabetical order and Players C & D are discussing club selection (or other advice) on 1st tee prior to the round starting
Must they cease prior to Player C teeing off or must it cease when Player A tees off?
(I'm guessing comp format might also play a part i.e in an individual comp of if Player C was 'teamed' with Player A)

The order of play and the format of play make no difference. Any person that has not yet played their first stroke cannot get a penalty for offering advice, nor can anyone that offers advice to a non-started person be penalised.