Have you ever wondered what a pro golfer does on the morning of a major championship when their tee time isn't until the afternoon? Do they kick back on the couch and watch early coverage like the rest of us? According to PGA Tour winner Michael Kim, the answer is a resounding yes—but with a crucial twist.

During the second round of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink, Kim had a late tee time and tuned into ESPN+ to study how the course was playing. It's a smart move for any competitor looking to gain an edge. But what he revealed next is a little-known rule that might surprise even the most dedicated golf fans.

Kim explained that players are allowed to watch tournament coverage and take mental notes, but they absolutely cannot write anything down to bring onto the course. That's right—no scribbling observations in a yardage book during the broadcast. It's a rule that relies heavily on the honor system, and as Kim pointed out, he's never had to hand over his yardage book to a rules official for inspection.

This rule applies to both the player and their caddie, meaning the entire team has to rely on memory alone when they step onto the first tee. Given that Garrick Higgo recently received a two-stroke penalty for simply showing up late to his tee time, it's clear that not every player is fully aware of every regulation. So, if you're ever in a tournament yourself, remember: watch all you want, but keep that notepad in your bag.

Kim's big takeaway from his morning viewing session? The course was playing tough—a sentiment many competitors would echo as they navigate the challenges of a major championship setup. Good luck to all the players out there, and maybe skip the notes before you hit the links.