Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Lost Hole describes the result in match play when a player or side loses a hole to the opponent. The opponent may win because they take fewer strokes, receive a concession, or the player receives the general penalty, which is loss of hole in match play.
How it matters in match play
A Lost Hole changes the match score by one hole: the opponent is recorded as one hole up for that hole. Under the Rules, a hole is also lost when the player gets the general penalty, but a concession is a separate way to lose it. The term does not mean that a ball has been lost; it describes the match result.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Lost Hole |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 1.3c(1) and Rule 3.2a(1) |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Won Hole, Conceded Hole, General Penalty, Match Result |
Worked example
Alex is 2 up after six holes, then receives the general penalty on the 7th hole; Ben wins that hole, so Alex is 1 up after seven holes.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 1.3c(1) and Rule 3.2a(1)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is Lost Hole the same as Lost Ball?
No. Lost Hole is a match-play result or penalty outcome. Lost Ball describes a ball that cannot be found or is otherwise treated as lost under the Rules, and it can lead to a different procedure and penalty.
How many holes does a Lost Hole count for?
It counts as one hole for the opponent. For example, if Alex is 3 up and loses the next hole, the match becomes 2 up, assuming no other result applies.
Can a player lose a hole by concession?
Yes. A player may concede a hole before it is completed, including before the players start that hole. The Rules treat that as one way the opponent wins the hole; it is distinct from receiving a general penalty.
Does a Lost Hole end the match?
Usually no. It changes the hole-by-hole score. The match ends only when a player leads by more holes than remain, or when another match-ending result such as a concession or disqualification applies.
Does Lost Hole apply in stroke play?
Not as the normal scoring description. Lost Hole is match-play language; regular stroke play is based on total strokes, and the general penalty is normally two penalty strokes rather than loss of hole.
Is Lost Hole an official Rules term?
The Rules use the wording “loss of hole” and “loses a hole”. Lost Hole is a clear glossary label for that outcome, not a separate competition format or an additional penalty.