Rule 10 39
ORDER OF PLAY
Rule 10. Order of Play
Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in
the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.
10-1. Match Play
g a. When Starting Play of Hole
The side that has the honor at the first teeing ground is determined
by the order of the draw. In the absence of a draw, the honor
should be decided by lot.
The side that wins a hole takes the honor at the next teeing
ground. If a hole has been halved, the side that had the honor at
the previous teeing ground retains it.
g b. During Play of Hole
After both players have started play of the hole, the ball farther
from the hole is played first. If the balls are equidistant from the
hole or their positions relative to the hole are not determinable,
the ball to be played first should be decided by lot.
Exception: Rule 30-3b (best-ball and four-ball match play).
Note: When it becomes known that the original ball is not to
be played as it lies and the player is required to play a ball as
nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was
last played (see Rule 20-5), the order of play is determined by
the spot from which the previous stroke was made. When a
ball may be played from a spot other than where the previous
stroke was made, the order of play is determined by the position
where the original ball came to rest.
g c. Playing Out of Turn
If a player plays when his opponent should have played, there
is no penalty, but the opponent may immediately require the
player to cancel the stroke so made and, in correct order, play
a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original
ball was last played (see Rule 20-5).
40 Rule 10
10-2. Stroke Play
g a. When Starting Play of Hole
The competitor who has the honor at the first teeing ground is
determined by the order of the draw. In the absence of a draw,
the honor should be decided by lot.
The competitor with the lowest score at a hole takes the honor
at the next teeing ground. The competitor with the second lowest
score plays next and so on. If two or more competitors have the
same score at a hole, they play from the next teeing ground in
the same order as at the previous teeing ground.
Exception: Rule 32-1 (handicap bogey, par and Stableford competitions).
g b. During Play of Hole
After the competitors have started play of the hole, the ball farthest
from the hole is played first. If two or more balls are equidistant
from the hole or their positions relative to the hole are
not determinable, the ball to be played first should be decided
by lot.
Exceptions: Rules 22 (ball assisting or interfering with play)
and 31-4 (four-ball stroke play).
Note: When it becomes known that the original ball is not to
be played as it lies and the competitor is required to play a ball
as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball
was last played (see Rule 20-5), the order of play is determined by
the spot from which the previous stroke was made. When a ball
may be played from a spot other than where the previous stroke
was made, the order of play is determined by the position
where the original ball came to rest.
g c. Playing Out of Turn
If a competitor plays out of turn, there is no penalty and the ball
is played as it lies. If, however, the Committee determines that
Rule 11 41
competitors have agreed to play out of turn to give one of them
an advantage, they are disqualified.
(Making stroke while another ball in motion after stroke from
putting green — see Rule 16-1f.)
(Incorrect order of play in threesome and foursome stroke play
— see Rule 29-3.)
10-3. Provisional Ball or Another Ball from Teeing Ground
If a player plays a provisional ball or another ball from the teeing
ground, he must do so after his opponent or fellow-competitor
has made his first stroke. If more than one player elects to play
a provisional ball or is required to play another ball from the
teeing ground, the original order of play must be retained. If a
player plays a provisional ball or another ball out of turn, Rule
10-1c or 10-2c applies.
