Rule 9. Information as to Strokes Taken
Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in
the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.
9-1. General
The number of strokes a player has taken includes any penalty
strokes incurred.
38 Rule 9
9-2. Match Play
g a. Information as to Strokes Taken
An opponent is entitled to ascertain from the player, during
the play of a hole, the number of strokes he has taken and, after
play of a hole, the number of strokes taken on the hole just
completed.
g b. Wrong Information
A player must not give wrong information to his opponent. If a
player gives wrong information, he loses the hole.
A player is deemed to have given wrong information if he:
(i) fails to inform his opponent as soon as practicable that
he has incurred a penalty, unless (a) he was obviously
proceeding under a Rule involving a penalty and this
was observed by his opponent, or (b) he corrects the
mistake before his opponent makes his next stroke; or
(ii) gives incorrect information during play of a hole regarding
the number of strokes taken and does not correct the
mistake before his opponent makes his next stroke; or
(iii) gives incorrect information regarding the number of
strokes taken to complete a hole and this affects the opponent’s
understanding of the result of the hole, unless
he corrects the mistake before any player makes a stroke
from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole
of the match, before all players leave the putting green.
A player has given wrong information even if it is due to
the failure to include a penalty that he did not know he had
incurred. It is the player’s responsibility to know the Rules.
9-3. Stroke Play
A competitor who has incurred a penalty should inform his
marker as soon as practicable.
