Rule 5: Playing the Round

In match play a player may practise on the course before a round and between rounds.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2a · recall

Before a stroke play round a player must not practise on the course, except in the places the Rule allows.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2b · recall

Practising on the course means playing a ball or testing a putting green by rolling a ball or rubbing the surface.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2 · applied

The limits on practice before or between rounds apply only to the player, not to the player's caddie.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2 · applied

A first stroke in breach of Rule 5.2b brings the general penalty, applied to the player's first hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2b · applied

An additional stroke in breach of Rule 5.2b disqualifies the player.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2b · applied

Rubbing the surface of a single green is one breach of Rule 5.2, however many times it is rubbed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2b; Additional Clarifications 5.2b/3 · applied

Practice areas and the first teeing area may be used before the round; the course itself only after the day's final round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2b · applied

The range is allowed; a first stroke on the course is the general penalty and a second one is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2b · recall

The 7th green out on the course (B) is off limits. The practice green (A), the range (C) and chipping beside the first tee (D) are allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2b · applied

The round starts with the stroke that begins the player's first hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a · recall

A starting time is treated as exact: 9 am means 9:00:00.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a · recall

Starting no more than five minutes early is the general penalty applied to the first hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a, Exception 2 · applied

If the Committee decides exceptional circumstances prevented a timely start, there is no breach.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a, Exception 3 · recall

When a starting time is delayed, there is no breach if the player is present and ready when the group is able to start.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a · applied

The player must be ready to play at the starting time and starting point set by the Committee.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a · recall

The exceptions to disqualification in Rule 5.3a apply in the same way to resuming play on time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7c(2) · recall

On time is fine, up to five minutes late is the general penalty on the first hole, and later than that is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a · applied

Being on the tee at the right time is not enough: the first stroke itself is what begins the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a · recall

B is seven minutes late, more than the five allowed, so is disqualified. A (3 late) and C (2 early) get the general penalty; D is on time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a · applied

A stroke play round ends when the player holes out at the final hole, including any correction of a mistake.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3b · recall

A match play round ends when the result of the match is decided.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3b · recall

During a round the player and opponent must play each hole in the same group.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.4a · recall

A player must stay in the group set by the Committee unless the Committee approves a change, before or after it happens.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.4b · recall

Breaching Rule 5.4 on playing in groups is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.4b · applied

Actions taken during a round do not include time when play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, unless the Rule says otherwise.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.1 · recall

Fixing a mistake on the last hole is part of finishing it, so the round runs until that corrected ball is holed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3b · applied

The round starts with the first stroke and ends with the hole-out at the final hole; the card is returned afterwards.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 5.3a, 5.3b and 3.3b · recall

Changing groups in stroke play is fine once the Committee approves it; without approval it is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.4b · applied

A round is 18 or fewer holes in the order the Committee sets, so 27 holes (C) cannot be one round; 9, 18 and 12 can.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.1 · applied

During the play of a hole a player must not make a practice stroke at any ball, on or off the course.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a · recall

Strokes made in playing out a hole whose result has been decided are not practice strokes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a · applied

A breach of Rule 5.5 is the general penalty: two strokes in stroke play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5, Penalty · recall

The ban covers practice strokes at any ball, on or off the course, while playing a hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a · applied

A practice swing made with no intent to strike a ball is not a practice stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a · recall

In match play the general penalty is loss of hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5, Penalty · recall

Hitting a ball back to a practice area or to another player solely as a courtesy is not a practice stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a · applied

Hitting any ball other than the one in play during a hole is a practice stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a · applied

The penalty belongs to the hole on which the practice happened, so it goes onto that hole's score.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5, Penalty · applied

C is hitting a second ball. A's swing has no ball, B is returning a stray ball as a courtesy, and D is only stretching.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a · applied

Between holes a player may practise putting or chipping on or near the green just completed, unless a Local Rule prohibits it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5b, Exception · recall

Practice putting or chipping is allowed on or near the next teeing area, as well as near the green just completed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5b, Exception · recall

Practice strokes between holes must not unreasonably delay play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5b, Exception · recall

If a breach of Rule 5.5 happens between two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5, Penalty · applied

While play is stopped, practice is allowed off the course, where Rule 5.5b allows and where the Committee allows.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5c · recall

When a match is stopped by agreement and will not resume the same day, the players may practise on the course freely.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5c · applied

The exception for practice between holes covers the green just completed and any practice green.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5b, Exception · recall

Putting practice on the green just completed is allowed before the next hole begins, as long as it does not delay play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5b, Exception · applied

During a suspension practice is allowed off the course, so the range may be used.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5c · applied

Practice strokes between holes must not be made from a bunker (B). Putting on the green (A), chipping by the next tee (C) or from the fringe (D) is allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5b, Exception · applied

A player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a · recall

A short delay may be allowed when the player seeks help from a referee or the Committee, is injured or ill, or has another good reason.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a · applied

Becoming injured or ill is one of the reasons a player may be allowed a short delay.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a · applied

The delay is charged to the hole about to be played, not the one just finished.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a, Penalty · applied

A player's delay of play is covered by Rule 5.6a, not by the Rule on stopping play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · recall

A first breach of Rule 5.6a is one penalty stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a, Penalty · recall

The Rule forbids unreasonable delay; a short delay for a good reason is allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a · recall

Injury is a recognised reason for a short delay, so a brief pause for treatment is not a breach.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a · applied

The penalties rise with each breach: one stroke, then the general penalty, then disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a, Penalty · recall

The third breach of Rule 5.6a in a round is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a, Penalty · applied

The recommendation counts from when the player is, or should be, able to play without interference or distraction.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(1) · recall

Players should usually be able to play more quickly than the recommended time and are encouraged to.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(1) · recall

Players are encouraged to allow faster groups to play through.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b · recall

In stroke play players may play out of turn in a safe and responsible way, known as ready golf.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(2); Rule 6.4b(2) · recall

In match play the players may agree that one plays out of turn to save time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(2); Rule 6.4a · recall

The Committee should adopt a Local Rule setting a Pace of Play Policy, with maximum times and penalties.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(3) · recall

Prompt pace covers preparing for and making each stroke, moving between strokes and moving to the next teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(1) · recall

Players should prepare in advance, be ready when it is their turn, play promptly and move on promptly.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(1) · applied

A Pace of Play Policy may set maximum times for a round, holes or strokes, and penalties for not keeping to them.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(3) · applied

The Rules recommend making the stroke in no more than 40 seconds, and usually more quickly than that.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b(1) · applied

All players must stop play if the Committee suspends play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · recall

Players in a match may agree to stop play for any reason, except if doing so delays the competition.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · recall

If one player wants to resume after an agreed stop, the agreement has ended and the other player must resume too.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · applied

A player may stop play if they reasonably believe there is danger from lightning.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · recall

Stopping play for a reason not allowed, or not reporting when required, is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · applied

Leaving the course is not, by itself, stopping play; any delay is dealt with under Rule 5.6a.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · applied

Individual players may stop for lightning danger; otherwise stopping needs a Committee suspension (or an agreement in match play).

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · applied

After an immediate suspension nobody plays until the Committee resumes play, and then each player carries on from where they stopped.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 5.7b(1) and 5.7c · applied

A Committee suspension stops everyone, a match agreement stops its two players, and the lightning right belongs to the individual player.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · applied

Stopping is the player's own call here, but the Committee must hear about it straight away, or the stop becomes disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a · applied

In an immediate suspension, a player must not make another stroke until the Committee resumes play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b(1) · recall

An immediate suspension is used for imminent danger; darkness or an unplayable course is a normal suspension.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b · recall

In a normal suspension a group that has started a hole may choose to stop or to play out the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b(2) · applied

Players are allowed a brief time, which normally should be no more than two minutes, to decide.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b(2) · recall

In match play, if the opponent stops play, the player must stop too; otherwise the player loses the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b(2) · applied

In stroke play each player may choose, but may continue only if their marker stays to keep the score.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b(2) · applied

There is no breach if the Committee decides the circumstances justified not stopping when required.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b, Exception · recall

A group may finish the hole in a normal suspension, but must not make another stroke after that until play resumes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b(2) · applied

An immediate suspension stops play at once; between holes a group may not start another hole; mid-hole it may finish the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b · applied

Group A has finished a hole and is between holes, so must not begin the next one. B, C and D are mid-hole and may play it out.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b(2) · applied

Play resumes from where it stopped on a hole or, if the player was between holes, at the next teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7c(1) · recall

Play resumes from where it stopped on the hole, even if that is on a later day.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7c(1) · applied

The player must be present and ready at the time set by the Committee, and must resume at, not before, that time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7c(2) · recall

If the ball was not lifted, the player may play it as it lies or mark, lift and replace it on the original spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7d(1) · recall

If the ball or ball-marker is moved in any way before play resumes, a ball must be replaced on the original spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7d(2) · applied

Lifting is optional: the ball may come up when play stops, as long as its spot is marked first.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7d(1) · recall

Playing from a wrong place in breach of Rule 5.7d is the general penalty under Rule 14.7a.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7d, Penalty · recall

A lifted ball must be replaced, the original or another, on its original spot when play resumes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7d(1) · applied

A late restart caused by the group in front is not the player's fault; being ready when the group can go is what counts.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7c(2) · applied

The original ball or another ball goes back on the original, marked spot (A), not nearer the hole, further back or at the next tee.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7d(1) · applied