Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
The General Penalty is the standard sanction for a breach of most Rules where the possible advantage is more significant than for a one-stroke penalty. It is loss of the hole in Match Play and two penalty strokes in Stroke Play.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, a player who receives the General Penalty loses the hole; the opponent wins it, rather than adding a number to the player’s Hole Score. The penalty normally affects only the hole where the breach occurred, although the specific Rule and timing can affect how the ruling is applied.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | General Penalty |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 1.3c(2); Rule 3.2a(1) |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Stroke Play, Penalty Stroke, Loss of Hole |
Worked example
On the seventh hole, Alex breaches a Rule carrying the General Penalty; Ben wins that hole, so a match that was 2 up to Alex becomes 1 up.
Rule reference: Rule 1.3c(2); Rule 3.2a(1)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What is the General Penalty in golf?
It is loss of the hole in Match Play and two penalty strokes in Stroke Play. It applies to breaches of most Rules where a one-stroke penalty would not cancel the likely advantage sufficiently.
Does the General Penalty mean disqualification?
No. Disqualification is a separate, more serious penalty level. The General Penalty normally means losing one hole in Match Play or adding two penalty strokes in Stroke Play, subject to the Rule breached.
Who wins the hole after a General Penalty in Match Play?
The opponent wins the hole. Rule 3.2a says a player wins when the opponent gets the General Penalty, so the match standing changes by one hole rather than by adding two strokes to the match score.
Is the General Penalty always two strokes?
No. Two penalty strokes is the Stroke Play version. In Match Play the General Penalty is loss of hole; other Rules can specify a one-stroke penalty or disqualification instead.
Can players agree to ignore a General Penalty?
No. Players must not agree to ignore a Rule or penalty they know applies. Under Rule 1.3b, such an agreement can lead to disqualification after the round has started.
Does the General Penalty apply to casual side games?
Only if the players have agreed to play under the Rules of Golf and any relevant Terms of the Competition. A private side game may use house rules, but those should not be described as the official General Penalty.