Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Playing out of turn means making a stroke when another player or opponent should play first under the normal order. The consequences depend on the format: in match play the opponent may cancel the stroke, while stroke play generally permits safe, responsible ready golf without a penalty.
How it matters in match play
In match play, order is fundamental. If Alex plays before Ben when Ben is entitled to play, Ben may promptly cancel the stroke before either player makes another stroke; Alex then plays again from the original spot when it is Alex’s turn. If Ben does not cancel it, the stroke counts. They may also agree in advance to let Alex play first to save time, which gives up the right to cancel.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Playing Out of Turn |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 6.4a(1)-(2) (Rules of Golf, match play) |
| Related concepts | Order of Play, Match Play, Stroke Play, Ready Golf |
Worked example
On a par-three hole, Ben is 12 metres from the hole and Alex is 20 metres away, so Ben should play first; if Alex plays and Ben promptly cancels, Alex replays from the original spot, but if Ben accepts the stroke, it counts and Alex continues from where the ball lies.
Rule reference: Rule 6.4a(1)-(2) (Rules of Golf, match play)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is there a penalty for playing out of turn in match play?
The rule does not impose a penalty stroke simply because a player played out of turn. Instead, the opponent who should have played first may promptly cancel the stroke before either player makes another stroke, requiring the player to replay from the original spot.
What if my opponent does not cancel my out-of-turn stroke?
The stroke counts, the ball is in play, and it must be played as it lies. The opponent cannot later cancel it after allowing play to continue beyond the point at which the cancellation had to be made.
Can match-play opponents agree to play out of turn?
Yes. They may invite or agree to an out-of-turn stroke, including to save time. Once the player makes that stroke, the opponent has given up the right to cancel it under the match-play order-of-play rule.
Is playing out of turn treated the same way in stroke play?
No. Stroke play has no penalty for playing out of turn, and the Rules allow and encourage safe, responsible ready golf. Players must still avoid endangering, distracting or interfering with another player.
Who normally plays first after both players have teed off?
The ball farthest from the hole is normally played first. If the balls are equally distant, or their relative distances are unknown, the players decide by agreement or a random method.
Does this term create a special match-play scoring result?
No. It is an order-of-play situation, not a scoring format. The hole result changes only if the stroke is cancelled and replayed or if another applicable Rule is breached.