Rule 6: Playing a Hole

A player has started a hole when they make a stroke to begin it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1a · recall

The hole has started even if the stroke was made from outside the teeing area or was cancelled.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1a · applied

In match play there is no penalty, but the opponent may cancel the stroke and make the player play again from inside the teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1b(1) · applied

The cancellation must be made promptly and before either player makes another stroke, and it cannot be withdrawn.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1b(1) · recall

If the opponent does not cancel the stroke, it counts and the ball is in play as it lies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1b(1) · applied

The ball played from outside is not in play; that stroke and further strokes before the correction do not count.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1b(2) · recall

Failing to correct the mistake before starting another hole, or before returning the card on the last hole, is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1b(2) · applied

The ball played from the wrong place is not in play; the player corrects by playing from the teeing area with the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1b(2) · applied

A hole starts with the stroke that begins it, and that stroke is also what puts the ball in play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1a; Definitions (In Play) · applied

Playing from the wrong tee-markers is playing from outside the teeing area: in stroke play two penalty strokes, and the mistake must be corrected.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.1b(2) · applied

The player may stand outside the teeing area when making a stroke at a ball in the teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(1) · recall

Rule 6.2 applies only to the teeing area the player must play from to start the hole; other teeing locations are general area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2a · recall

In the teeing area the ball must be played from a tee placed in or on the ground or from the ground itself.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(2) · recall

The ground includes sand or other natural materials put in place to set the tee or ball on.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(2) · applied

A first stroke at a ball on a non-conforming tee is the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(2), Penalty · applied

A second breach of Rule 6.2b(2) is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(2), Penalty · applied

The teeing area Rules apply whenever a player must or may play from the teeing area, including playing again under a Rule.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2a · recall

The ball must be teed inside the teeing area, but the player's stance may be outside it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(1) and (2) · applied

Tee rules escalate: a legal tee costs nothing, an illegal one first costs the general penalty and the next one ends the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(2), Penalty · recall

A ball is in the teeing area when any part of it touches or is above the area: B sits on the front line. A is ahead of it, C beside it and D too deep.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(1); Definitions (Teeing Area) · applied

In the teeing area a player may remove or press down sand and soil before the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(3) · recall

The Committee sets the location of the tee-markers to define each teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(4) · recall

Moving a tee-marker to improve the conditions affecting the stroke is a breach of Rule 8.1a(1): the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(4) · applied

The player should seek help, but if none is available in reasonable time, use reasonable judgment to estimate the teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(4) · applied

In all other situations, tee-markers are treated as movable obstructions that may be removed under Rule 15.2.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(4) · recall

In the teeing area a player may remove dew, frost and water before the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(3) · recall

The tee-markers should stay in the same place for all players who will play from that teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(4) · recall

Asking first matters: estimating the area is the fallback only once no help is on hand.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(4) · applied

Tee-markers are set by the Committee; moving one to improve the stroke brings the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(4) · applied

Moving a tee-marker (B) is a breach. Making a dent with the foot (A), breaking growing grass (C) and removing dew (D) are allowed in the teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(3) and (4) · applied

A ball teed up or on the ground in the teeing area is not in play until a stroke is made at it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(5) · recall

Before the stroke the ball may be lifted or moved without penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(5) · recall

If the player makes a stroke at a ball as it falls or after it has fallen off the tee, the stroke counts and the ball is in play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(5) · applied

A ball in play in the teeing area may be played from anywhere in it, including as it lies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(6) · applied

Relief can land the ball back on the tee, and then it may be teed up again or played off the turf.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(6) · recall

Playing from a wrong place in breach of Rule 6.2b(6) is the general penalty under Rule 14.7a.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(6), Penalty · recall

Inside the teeing area a ball in play can be picked up or shifted freely; the protection is Exception 1 to Rule 9.4b.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(6); Rule 9.4b, Exception 1 · recall

Missing still uses up a stroke, yet the teeing area lets the player tee the ball again wherever they like within it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(6) · applied

The ball may be moved anywhere inside the teeing area, but playing it from outside is a wrong place.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(5); Definitions (In Play) · recall

A ball that falls or is knocked off the tee before a stroke is not in play and may be re-teed anywhere in the teeing area without penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(5) · applied

At the first hole the honour comes from the order of the draw or, without a draw, by agreement or a random method.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 6.4a(1) and 6.4b(1) · recall

In match play the player who wins a hole has the honour at the next teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(1) · recall

If the hole was tied, the player with the honour at the previous teeing area keeps it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(1) · applied

The honour is based on gross scores, even in a handicap competition.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4b(1) · recall

Players with the same score should play in the same order as at the previous teeing area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4b(1) · applied

When a player will play a provisional or another ball from the teeing area, all the other players make their first stroke first.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4c · recall

There is no penalty for playing out of turn in stroke play, unless players agreed to do so to give one of them an advantage.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4b(1) · applied

The winner of a hole takes the honour; after a tied hole the honour stays with whoever had it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(1) · applied

A provisional ball from the teeing area is played after all the other players in the group have made their first stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4c · applied

In stroke play the lowest gross score on the hole takes the honour, so B (3) plays first, then C, A and D.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4b(1) · applied

A player may start a hole with any conforming ball and may change balls between holes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3a · recall

The ball played from the teeing area must be holed out, except when it is lost, comes to rest out of bounds or is substituted.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3a · recall

Once another ball is substituted, the original is no longer in play, even if the substitution was not allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3b(2) · recall

Making a stroke at an incorrectly substituted ball is one penalty stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3b(3) · applied

After the penalty the player must play out the hole with the incorrectly substituted ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3b(3) · applied

Once another ball is put in play under stroke and distance, the original must not be played even if it is found in time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3b(2) · applied

Marking the ball helps the player identify it, as Rule 7.2 requires a player to be able to do.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3a; Rule 7.2 · recall

When taking relief, either the original or another ball may be dropped, and the dropped ball becomes the ball in play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3b(1); Rule 14.3a · applied

Changing balls between holes is free; an incorrect substitution costs one stroke and a wrong ball the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 6.3a, 6.3b(3) and 6.3c · applied

Replacing a lifted ball on its spot (B) requires the original ball. Dropping for relief (A), playing again from the tee (C) and changing between holes (D) allow another ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3b(1) · applied

In match play, playing a wrong ball is the general penalty: loss of hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c(1), Penalty · recall

The stroke with the wrong ball, and any more before the mistake is corrected, do not count.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c(1), Penalty · recall

When player and opponent play each other's ball, the first to make a stroke at a wrong ball loses the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c(1), Penalty · applied

If it is not known which wrong ball was played first, there is no penalty and the hole is played out with the balls exchanged.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c(1), Penalty · applied

There is no penalty for a stroke at a wrong ball moving in water in a penalty area or temporary water; the stroke does not count.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c(1), Exception · applied

A wrong ball is any ball other than the player's ball in play, provisional ball or a second ball played under the Rules.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c; Definitions (Wrong Ball) · applied

A player is expected to be able to identify their ball; an identifying mark makes that easy.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 6.3a and 7.2 · applied

The strokes with the wrong ball do not count; the player continues with their own ball and adds the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c(1), Penalty · applied

When another player plays your ball, you replace a ball on its original spot with no penalty to you.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c(2) · applied

Hitting the dotted ball is a wrong-ball breach; in stroke play it costs two strokes and only the red-line ball may finish the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3c(1) · applied

Two balls may be played in stroke play to correct a possible serious wrong-place breach or when unsure of the right procedure.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3d · recall

In stroke play a hole is completed when the player holes out under Rule 3.3c.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.5 · recall

In match play a hole is also completed when the player's next stroke is conceded, or when the result of the hole is decided.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.5 · recall

A hole is completed when its result is decided, such as when the opponent's score is lower than the player can make.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.5 · applied

Play by a player who does not know the hole is completed is not practice, and there is no penalty for it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.5 · applied

A provisional ball will either become the ball in play or be abandoned under Rule 18.3c.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3d; Rule 18.3c · recall

Playing two balls when unsure of the procedure is a stroke play option under Rule 20.1c(3).

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3d; Rule 20.1c(3) · recall

A provisional ball is played in case the original is lost; if the original is found, the provisional is abandoned.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3d; Rule 18.3 · applied

A concession decides the result of the hole, and the hole is then completed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.5 · recall

More than one ball may be played at a time on a hole when one of them is a provisional ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.3d · applied

After both players have started a hole, the ball farther from the hole is played first.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(1) · recall

When the distances are equal or not known, the order is decided by agreement or a random method.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(1) · recall

Playing out of turn in match play has no penalty, but the opponent may cancel the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(2) · applied

When the stroke is cancelled, the player plays again from where it was made when it is their turn.

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

Playing out of turn by agreement to save time is allowed in match play and carries no penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(2), Exception · applied

If a timely ruling request that could affect the honour has not been decided, it is settled by agreement or a random method.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(1) · applied

Once the opponent cancels the stroke, the cancellation cannot be withdrawn.

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

The honour decides the tee shots; after that the order always follows distance from the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(2) · applied

Inviting the opponent to play out of turn removes the right to cancel the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4a(2), Exception · applied

After everyone has started a hole, the ball farthest from the hole is played first: C is the farthest.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 6.4a(1) and 6.4b(1) · applied

A player whose ball is very close to the hole may hole out out of turn, as long as it is safe and does not disturb others.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4b(2) · applied

If the player whose turn it is is ready and indicates they want to play first, the others should generally wait.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4b(2) · applied

Players who agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage each get the general penalty once one of them plays.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4b(1) · applied

When a player becomes aware stroke-and-distance relief is required, their order is based on where the previous stroke was made.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4d(1) · recall

A provisional ball is played right after the previous stroke and before anyone else plays, unless the player waited first.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4d(2) · recall

Ready golf is allowed only so long as the player does not endanger, distract or interfere with anyone.

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

Players may agree to play out of turn for convenience or to save time, safely and responsibly.

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

Ready golf lets a player who is ready play out of turn, safely and without interfering with anyone.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4b(2) · applied

Once stroke-and-distance relief is required, the player's place in the order comes from the spot of the previous stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4d(1) · applied

A's turn is based on where the ball lies in the penalty area. B is farthest from the hole, then A, then C.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.4d(1) · applied