These days, many golfers record videos or take photos of their own swings during a round. Rather than simply keeping them as mementos, they do so to post on social media such as Instagram or YouTube. For weekend golfers, such behavior poses little problem as long as it does not disrupt the pace of play or inconvenience others.
But what about an official competition? There has actually been a case in which a coach filmed a junior player's swing during a tournament to post on Instagram.
In such a case, the first thing to consider is Rule 4.3, which deals with the "use of equipment." The rule states that a player must not gain a "potential advantage" by using equipment that artificially eliminates or reduces the need for a skill or judgment that is essential to the challenge of the game. Filming your own swing with a camera during a competition and then viewing the video or photos could be regarded as an act of gaining a potential advantage. This is because it can be seen as analyzing the swing. Viewing swing videos stored on a phone (including videos of oneself or others) also carries a strong possibility of a rules violation.
However, if the filming was simply intended for posting on Instagram, and the video or photos were not viewed during the competition, it can be considered not a violation of the rules on the use of equipment. If a coach films a video during a round and then exchanges conversation with the player about the swing, it could be a violation of the rule on advice (Rule 10.2a). A player may not ask for or receive advice from anyone other than their own caddie.
Even if the rules on the use of equipment or advice are not violated, there is one more issue to consider. That is the standard of player conduct (Rule 1.2). A player must always show consideration for others. If others feel uncomfortable, filming should not take place. Recently, during a tournament, another player called a rules official and protested after a caddie filmed a player's swing several times.
These days, in addition to video equipment, various wearable devices are also being developed. Simply wearing a watch on the wrist automatically measures things such as heart rate. However, one must be careful, because using such physiological information recorded during the round constitutes a rules violation.
For a violation of the rules on the use of equipment, the first violation results in the general penalty (two strokes). If the violation occurs between holes, the penalty applies to the next hole. A second violation results in disqualification.
For weekend golfers, beyond the question of rules violations, the most important thing is to avoid "slow golf" caused by excessively taking photos or videos.
Complicated and confusing golf rules can lead to squabbles with your playing partners. Knowing the rules lets you enjoy golf even more. Sometimes the rules can even help you lower your score. Subscribe, and at some point you too will become a "rules expert." Inquiries by email (sygolf@sedaily.com) are also welcome.
