Page type: Glossary / definition
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Meaning
A Wrong Ball is any ball other than the player's ball in play, provisional ball, or permitted second ball in stroke play. It can include another player's ball, a stray ball, or the player's own ball after it is lost, out of bounds, or lifted and not replaced.
How it matters in match play
Making a stroke at a Wrong Ball in match play gives the general penalty: Loss of Hole. If both players have played each other's balls, the first player to strike a Wrong Ball loses the hole. If it is unknown who played first, there is no penalty and the hole is completed with the balls exchanged. Strokes made with the Wrong Ball before correction do not count.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Wrong Ball |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 6.3c(1) |
| Related concepts | In Play, Lost Ball, Penalty Stroke, Loss of Hole, Stroke Play |
Worked example
Alex is 2 up after six holes. On the seventh, he accidentally makes a stroke at Ben's ball; Alex gets Loss of Hole, so Ben wins that hole and Alex's lead becomes 1 up. This is an illustrative rules example, not historical player data.
Rule reference: Rule 6.3c(1)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What is the penalty for playing a Wrong Ball in match play?
The player gets the general penalty, which is Loss of Hole under Rule 6.3c(1).
What should I do after playing a Wrong Ball in stroke play?
The player receives a two-stroke penalty and must correct the mistake by playing the right ball from its original spot or taking relief under the Rules. Strokes made with the Wrong Ball before correction do not count.
What if both opponents accidentally play each other's balls?
The first player to make a stroke at a Wrong Ball gets Loss of Hole. If nobody can establish who played first, there is no penalty and the hole is played out with the balls exchanged.
Does a Wrong Ball stroke count?
No. The stroke at the Wrong Ball, and any further strokes before the mistake is corrected, do not count. The applicable penalty still applies.
What happens if I do not correct a Wrong Ball mistake?
If the mistake is not corrected before making a stroke to start another hole, or before returning the scorecard for the final hole, the player is disqualified under Rule 6.3c(1).
Is a provisional ball always a Wrong Ball?
No. A provisional ball is specifically included among the player's permitted balls until it is abandoned under Rule 18.3c. A ball that is no longer permitted as the ball in play can instead be a Wrong Ball.