Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Loss of Hole is the general penalty in Match Play for a breach of most Rules of Golf. Instead of adding strokes to a Hole Score, the player or side loses that hole to the opponent. Specific Rules can prescribe a different penalty, including one stroke or Disqualification.
How it matters in match play
A Loss of Hole immediately decides the hole for the opponent, subject to the relevant Rule and the timing of any ruling. It is not an extra stroke carried to the next hole. The R&A says a player wins a hole when the opponent gets the general penalty, and match results are based on holes won, lost or tied. A Committee or player cannot freely replace the prescribed penalty with another one.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Loss of Hole |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 1.3c(2) and Rule 3.2a(1) |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Won Hole, Lost Hole, Concession, Disqualification |
Worked example
On the 7th hole, Alex and Ben are tied before Alex commits a breach carrying the general penalty; Alex records the hole as lost to Ben, so Ben moves from 1 down to All Square.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 1.3c(2) and Rule 3.2a(1)
Sources: www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Does Loss of Hole mean adding one stroke?
No. In Match Play it is the general penalty: the opponent wins that hole. It does not add a stroke to the next hole or automatically change every later Hole Score.
Can a player choose to accept a different penalty instead?
No. Penalties must be applied as provided by the Rules. Some individual Rules prescribe a different penalty, so check the specific Rule rather than assuming every breach is Loss of Hole.
Can Loss of Hole end the whole match?
It can contribute to the match ending, but it normally decides only that hole. The match ends when a player leads by more holes than remain, or under another Rule-based result such as concession or Disqualification.
Is Loss of Hole used in Stroke Play?
No. The general penalty is Loss of Hole in Match Play; in Stroke Play it is generally two penalty strokes, although particular Rules can specify other penalties.
Can casual players agree not to apply a Loss of Hole penalty?
A casual group can set house arrangements for a non-competition game, but it should not describe that result as the Rules of Golf penalty. In a competition, players cannot agree to ignore a Rule or known penalty.