Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Ready Golf means playing out of the normal order when it is safe and responsible to do so, helping a group maintain a prompt pace. It is expressly encouraged in stroke play; in match play, players can instead agree that one will play out of turn to save time.
How it matters in match play
Ready Golf is not a blanket permission to ignore order in match play. Rule 6.4a makes order fundamental, so an opponent may cancel a stroke played out of turn. However, the player may invite the opponent to play first, or accept that request, to save time; the opponent then gives up the right to cancel that stroke.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Ready Golf |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 5.6b and Rule 6.4a |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Stroke Play, Order of Play, Playing Out of Turn |
Worked example
On the 7th hole, Alex is 120 metres away and Ben is 80 metres away; Ben plays first only after Alex agrees to save time, so Ben's out-of-turn stroke cannot be cancelled under the match-play exception.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 5.6b and Rule 6.4a
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is Ready Golf allowed in match play?
Not automatically. In match play, order of play is fundamental. One player may play out of turn to save time only when the opponent invites it or agrees to the request under Rule 6.4a.
Is Ready Golf an official golf format?
No. Ready Golf is a pace-of-play approach, not a scoring format or competition type. The Rules describe it as playing out of turn safely and responsibly in stroke play.
Can I play Ready Golf when another player is farther from the hole?
In stroke play, you may play out of turn if it is safe and responsible and does not endanger, distract or interfere with another player. In match play, get the opponent's agreement first.
What happens if I play out of turn in match play without agreement?
The opponent may promptly cancel the stroke and require you to play again from the original spot. If the opponent does not cancel it, the stroke counts and the ball remains in play.
Does Ready Golf mean the closest ball is played first?
Usually the ball farthest from the hole is played first under the normal order. Ready Golf reverses that order only where the applicable form of play permits it and doing so is safe and responsible.
Does Ready Golf remove the duty to keep up?
No. Rule 5.6 requires players not to unreasonably delay play and encourages a prompt pace. Ready Golf is one practical way to reduce waiting, not a replacement for attentive preparation and movement between strokes.