# Rule 5: Playing the Round (The R&A and USGA Rules of Golf)

Golf · Rule 5: Playing the Round · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/golf/laws/rule-5-playing-the-round/)

How a round is played: practice on the course before or during it, starting on time, when the round ends, staying in your group, avoiding delay and keeping a prompt pace, and when play may or must stop and how it resumes.

## 5.51 The Round and Practice

Practice before a round, starting on time, the end of the round, playing in groups, and practice strokes during and between holes.

### Test 1: Practice on the course before a 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- An additional stroke in breach of Rule 5.2b disqualifies the player. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.2b)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

### Test 2: Starting on time

- The round starts with the stroke that begins the player's first hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a)
- A starting time is treated as exact: 9 am means 9:00:00. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a)
- 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)
- If the Committee decides exceptional circumstances prevented a timely start, there is no breach. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3a, Exception 3)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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))
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

### Test 3: Ending the round and playing in groups

- 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)
- A match play round ends when the result of the match is decided. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.3b)
- During a round the player and opponent must play each hole in the same group. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.4a)
- 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)
- Breaching Rule 5.4 on playing in groups is disqualification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.4b)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

### Test 4: No practice strokes while playing a hole

- 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)
- Strokes made in playing out a hole whose result has been decided are not practice strokes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a)
- A breach of Rule 5.5 is the general penalty: two strokes in stroke play. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5, Penalty)
- 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)
- A practice swing made with no intent to strike a ball is not a practice stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a)
- In match play the general penalty is loss of hole. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5, Penalty)
- 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)
- Hitting any ball other than the one in play during a hole is a practice stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5a)
- 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)
- 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)

### Test 5: Practice between holes and while play is stopped

- 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)
- 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)
- Practice strokes between holes must not unreasonably delay play. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5b, Exception)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- The exception for practice between holes covers the green just completed and any practice green. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5b, Exception)
- 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)
- During a suspension practice is allowed off the course, so the range may be used. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.5c)
- 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)

## 5.52 Pace of Play and Stopping Play

Unreasonable delay and its penalties, prompt pace, when players may stop play, Committee suspensions and resuming play.

### Test 1: Unreasonable delay of play

- A player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- A first breach of Rule 5.6a is one penalty stroke. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a, Penalty)
- The Rule forbids unreasonable delay; a short delay for a good reason is allowed. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a)
- 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)
- The penalties rise with each breach: one stroke, then the general penalty, then disqualification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a, Penalty)
- The third breach of Rule 5.6a in a round is disqualification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6a, Penalty)

### Test 2: Prompt pace of play

- 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))
- 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))
- Players are encouraged to allow faster groups to play through. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.6b)
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 3: When players may stop play

- All players must stop play if the Committee suspends play. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a)
- 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)
- 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)
- A player may stop play if they reasonably believe there is danger from lightning. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a)
- Stopping play for a reason not allowed, or not reporting when required, is disqualification. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7a)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

### Test 4: Committee suspensions of play

- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- There is no breach if the Committee decides the circumstances justified not stopping when required. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 5.7b, Exception)
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))

### Test 5: Resuming play

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

Sources: Rules of Golf, effective January 2023 (The R&A and USGA), Rule 5 and the Additional Clarifications (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)

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