Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A penalty stroke is a stroke added to a player's score under a specific Rule of Golf. It can apply when a player breaches a Rule or chooses penalty relief from a different place, such as relief from a Penalty Area, a Lost Ball or an Unplayable Ball.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, a penalty stroke is added to the player's strokes for that Hole Score, and the lower total including penalty strokes wins the hole. A one-stroke penalty is different from the General Penalty: the latter is Loss of Hole in match play. Players must give the opponent the correct number of strokes taken, including penalty strokes, as soon as reasonably possible.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Penalty Stroke |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 1.3c(2); Rule 3.2a(1) and Rule 3.2d(1); examples of one-stroke relief: Rule 17.1d, Rule 18.1 and Rule 19.2 |
| Related concepts | General Penalty, Penalty Area, Penalty Relief, Stroke and Distance, Loss of Hole |
Worked example
On a par-4 hole, Alex takes two strokes, then takes one-stroke Penalty Relief from a red Penalty Area and holes out in two more strokes: Alex's Hole Score is 5, while Ben's 4 wins the hole.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 1.3c(2); Rule 3.2a(1) and Rule 3.2d(1); examples of one-stroke relief: Rule 17.1d, Rule 18.1 and Rule 19.2
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is a penalty stroke the same as the General Penalty?
No. A one-stroke penalty is one penalty level. The General Penalty is Loss of Hole in match play and two penalty strokes in stroke play, although the applicable Rule determines the actual penalty.
Does a penalty stroke count in Match Play?
Yes. It is included in the player's strokes for the hole. The player with fewer strokes, including penalty strokes, wins the hole unless the opponent concedes it or receives the General Penalty.
How many penalty strokes does relief from a Penalty Area usually add?
The relief options in Rule 17.1d each carry one penalty stroke. A player may instead play the ball as it lies in the Penalty Area without that specific relief penalty, subject to the Rules.
Must a player tell an opponent about a penalty stroke?
Yes. In match play, the player must tell the opponent about a penalty as soon as reasonably possible and must give the correct number of strokes taken when asked.
Is a penalty stroke added to the next hole?
Normally no. It is applied to the hole and situation covered by the relevant Rule. The precise timing and score treatment depend on that Rule and any applicable Committee procedure.
Can players agree to ignore a penalty stroke?
No, not when they know a Rule or penalty applies. Agreeing to ignore a known Rule or penalty can lead to disqualification under Rule 1.3b.