Simpler Rules: Rule 10

Revised 14/04/13

Rule 10: Order of Play 

10-1. Match Play

a. When Starting Play of Hole

The side that has the honour on the first tee is determined by the order of the draw. In the absence of a draw, the honour should be decided by lot. 

The side that wins a hole has the honour at the next tee. If a hole has been halved, the side that had the honour at the previous tee retains it. 

b. During Play of Hole

After both players have started play of the hole, the ball farther from the hole must be 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 (Better-ball match play). 

Note: When 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 that spot. When a ball may be played from a spot other than where the original ball was last played, the order of play is determined by the position where the original ball came to rest. 

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).

 

10-2. Stroke Play

a. When Starting Play of Hole

The competitor who has the honour at the first tee is determined by the order of the draw. In the absence of a draw, the honour should be decided by lot. 
 

The competitor with the lowest score at a hole takes the honour at the next tee; 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 tee in the same order as at the previous tee.
 

Note: In par and Stableford competitions the player with the best par or Stableford score takes the honour at the next tee.

b. During Play of Hole

After the competitors have started play of the hole, the ball farthest from the hole should be 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 (better-ball stroke play). 

Note: When 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 that spot. When a ball may be played from a spot other than where the original ball was last played, the order of play is determined by the position where the original ball came to rest. 

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 competitors have agreed to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage, they are disqualified from the competition. 

(Making stroke while another ball in motion after stroke from putting green – see Rule 16-1f)

(Incorrect order of play in foursome stroke play – see Rule 29-3)

 

10-3. Provisional Ball or Another Ball from Tee

If a player plays a provisional ball or another ball from the tee, 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 tee, 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.