Rule 6: Starting a hole
What this is about
This rule explains how you start and then play every golf hole. It makes sure everyone moves through the course in a fair and structured way.
What you need to do
You start each hole by hitting a ball from the teeing area. This is the tee box: the area between the two tee-markers and two club-lengths back from them.
- Place your ball anywhere within this teeing area. Part of the ball must touch or hover over the area.
- You may place your ball on a tee or hit it straight off the ground.
- You may alter the ground in the teeing area, for example by creating a small indentation.
- Do you accidentally play from outside the teeing area?
- In match play (competition against one player): Your opponent may choose to cancel your stroke. You then play again from the correct spot, with no penalty. If your opponent ignores the mistake, your stroke simply counts.
- In stroke play (competition against the field): You get two penalty strokes. You must correct the mistake by playing a new ball from the correct spot in the teeing area. Your first stroke doesn't count.
Common mistake
Many beginners think you have to stand entirely inside the teeing area when you tee off. That's not true. You may stand outside the tee-markers, as long as your ball is within the teeing area.
Example
You're on the teeing area of hole 3. Without looking carefully, you place your ball just in front of the imaginary line between the tee-markers. You hit a beautiful drive. In stroke play, this is a mistake. You get two penalty strokes. Tee off again, this time correctly.
Practise this rule with real exam questions in the free app.
6.1 Starting a hole
6.1a When a hole begins
A hole begins when the player makes a stroke to start that hole. The hole has begun even if the stroke was made from outside the teeing area (in match play: the opponent may require the stroke to be replayed; in stroke play: this must be corrected).
6.1b Ball must be played from within the teeing area
The first stroke on each hole must be played from within the teeing area. If a player plays from outside the teeing area: in match play, no penalty, but the opponent may require the stroke to be replayed; in stroke play, general penalty (two penalty strokes) and the player must correct the mistake by playing from within the teeing area.
6.2 Playing a ball from the teeing area
6.2a When the Rules for the teeing area apply
The rules for the teeing area apply when a player is required or allowed to play from the teeing area (the first stroke on a hole, replaying after a breach, or after applying stroke and distance).
6.2b Rules for the teeing area
The teeing area is a rectangle, two club-lengths deep, bounded by the front edges of the two tee-markers and the outside edges of those markers. The ball must be played from within or on the edges of this rectangle. The ball may be placed on a tee or on the ground. The tee-markers are immovable objects, they must not be moved. You may stand outside the teeing area to play a ball that lies within the teeing area.
6.3 Ball used in playing a hole
6.3a Finishing the hole with the same ball played from the teeing area
A player must finish the hole with the same ball they played from the teeing area, unless the Rules allow or require them to use a different ball (for example, in the case of an unplayable ball, taking relief, or when the ball is damaged).
6.3b Replacing a ball with another ball while playing a hole
A player may substitute another ball when the Rules allow this (relief procedure, unplayable ball, etc.). If a player wrongly substitutes another ball, they get the general penalty.
6.3c Wrong ball
You must not make a stroke at a wrong ball (a ball that isn't your ball in play). If you accidentally play a wrong ball: in match play, you lose the hole; in stroke play, you get the general penalty (two penalty strokes). Strokes made with the wrong ball don't count. You must correct the mistake by playing the correct ball.
6.3d When a player is allowed to play more than one ball at the same time
In stroke play, a player may play two balls when they're not sure how to proceed under the Rules (Rule 20.1c).
6.4 Order of play during play of a hole
6.4a Match play
At the first hole: the order of play is decided by a draw or by the Committee. At later holes: the player who won the previous hole has the honour (plays first). If the previous hole was halved, the player who had the honour before keeps it. If a player plays out of turn, the opponent may require them to replay the stroke (with no penalty).
6.4b Stroke Play
On the first hole: the order is decided by a draw or by the Committee. On following holes: the player with the lowest score on the previous hole has the honor. While playing a hole: the player whose ball is farthest from the hole plays first. Players may agree to play in a different order to save time ("ready golf").
6.4c When a player plays a provisional ball or another ball from the teeing area
The provisional ball must be played after all other players in the group have made their first stroke, but before anyone goes to look for their ball.
6.4d When a player takes relief from interference or plays a provisional ball from a place other than the teeing area
The player must complete taking relief or play the provisional ball before another player makes a stroke (unless the player is allowed to wait for other players).
6.5 Finishing a hole
A hole is finished when the ball has fallen into the hole (holed out). In match play, a hole can also end when your opponent gives a stroke, hole, or match (concession).