Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Suspension of Play is an authorised halt to golf under Rule 5.7. The Committee may order an immediate suspension, such as for imminent danger, or a normal suspension, such as for darkness or an unplayable course. Players resume from where they stopped when the Committee authorises play.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, a Committee suspension applies to both opponents. During a normal suspension, players who have started a hole may finish it, but if either opponent stops, both must stop; continuing alone incurs the general penalty, which is loss of hole. Players may also agree to stop for any reason provided the agreement does not delay the competition.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Suspension of Play |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 5.7a, Rule 5.7b, Rule 5.7c |
| Related concepts | Committee, Match Play, Match Referee, Ruling, Temporary Water |
Worked example
Illustrative example: Alex and Ben are playing the 12th hole when the Committee announces a normal Suspension of Play for darkness. They may finish that hole, mark their balls, and resume the next day from the relevant spots; if Ben stops, Alex must stop too or lose the hole.
Rule reference: Rule 5.7a, Rule 5.7b, Rule 5.7c
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What is the difference between an immediate and normal Suspension of Play?
An immediate suspension requires players to stop at once and make no further stroke until the Committee resumes play. A normal suspension allows a group that has started a hole to choose whether to stop or finish that hole, subject to the Match Play procedure when an opponent stops.
Can players agree to stop a match without a Committee suspension?
Yes. In Match Play, opponents may agree to stop for any reason, but the agreement must not delay the competition. If one player later wants to resume, the agreement ends and the other player must resume as well.
Where does a match resume after a Suspension of Play?
A player resumes from where play stopped on the hole. If the group was between holes, play resumes at the next teeing area. The player must be present and ready at the time set by the Committee, not before it.
What happens if one opponent keeps playing after the other stops?
In a normal Committee suspension, if one opponent stops, the other must also stop and both must wait for the Committee to resume play. If the other player does not stop, that player gets the general penalty in Match Play: loss of hole.
Can a player stop because of lightning before the Committee suspends play?
Yes. A player may stop if they reasonably believe there is danger from lightning, but must report to the Committee as soon as possible. This is separate from a Committee-ordered Suspension of Play.
May a ball be lifted during a Suspension of Play?
When stopping play of a hole under Rule 5.7, a player may mark and lift the ball. Before resuming, the player replaces the original or another ball on the original spot, which may need to be estimated.